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Spring 2014 Proceedings
www.uscg.mil/proceedings
dozens of enforcement agencies? The simple answer
is that we cannot accomplish it without international
cooperation. In fact, the Coast Guard cannot actually
accomplish it — we can merely advocate for it. It is up
to the respective states and jurisdictions to collaborate
effectively to address regulatory schemes and adjudica-
tion.
The Way Ahead
The Ocean Guardian, a fsheries enforcement strategic
plan, gives us a solid framework to push new initia-
tives. In such a large global commons, no one agency or
nation can effectively combat illegal, unreported, and
unregulated fshing, and other border threats. As we
continue engagement with regional partners and build
their organic capacities and capabilities, the U.S. will
strengthen the rule of law and make our own borders
more resilient.
By sharing technologies with our regional partners, we
increase their maritime domain awareness and ours as well
through joint enforcement, better communication, and trust.
Finally, we must broaden our partnerships and engagement
to include agencies that control legal and regulatory devel-
opment and adjudication. Ideally, we will advocate for a
regionally implemented penalty scheme that is homogenous
among jurisdictions within Oceania, so bad actors do not
cherry-pick where they fsh illegally or otherwise violate
the law.
It takes a village to police the global commons and adja-
cent sovereign borders, so the Coast Guard must continue to
maintain, strengthen, and expand its partnerships.
About the author:
CAPT Robert Hendrickson is a 32-year Coast Guard veteran. He com-
manded two cutters in 14 years at sea, deployed twice to Africa in support
of developing fsheries enforcement capabilities, served as the deputy chief
of Fisheries at Coast Guard headquarters, and as Coast Guard liaison to
NOAA.
Endnotes:
1.
See www.sfgate.com/green/art icle/Pacif ic-island-nat ions-step-in-to-save-
tuna-3165742.php.
2.
See www.illegal-fshing.info/uploads/APECFWGIUUstudyNov2008.pdf.
3.
Radio Australia, Feb, 28, 2013.
Seafood News, Feb, 27, 2013.
4.
Available at www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/mbound.htm.
5.
See www.science.gov/topicpages/e/economic+exclusive+zone.html.
6.
Via a shiprider agreement, a law enforcement offcer (the shiprider) is embarked on
a patrol vessel sailing a national fag different from the nationality of the shiprider.
USCGC Mohawk small boat personnel transport members of a Senegalese law
enforcement detachment to a mock boarding. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty
Offcer Victoria Bonk.
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