Canadian Coast Guard Completes North Pacific Fishing Enforcement Mission

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier has returned to Victoria, B.C., after completing a mission in the North Pacific aimed at addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This mission, part of Operation North Pacific Guard, involved Canadian fishery officers and support from the United States Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

During the mission, officers inspected 15 fishing vessels and discovered illegally harvested shark fins, evidence of fishing during closed seasons, unreported catches, and marine pollution. Several vessels were identified as "dark vessels" for having their monitoring systems turned off. The operation also marked the first enforcement of a new ban on Pacific salmon retention in the North Pacific.

The mission included aerial surveillance from Hokkaido, Japan, in collaboration with Japanese and South Korean officers, covering over 50,000 nautical miles and inspecting 407 vessels. Reports of shark finning, dolphin harvesting, pollution, and vessel marking violations were documented. Canada is now working with relevant flag states to pursue further investigations and sanctions against offending vessels.

This year's operation was notable for being the first time a Canadian Coast Guard vessel visited a Japanese port and for using a new eco-friendly fuel blend. The mission is part of Canada's broader efforts to protect marine ecosystems and support law-abiding fish harvesters through international cooperation.