US deploys vessel to tackle illegal fishing in Atlantic

Using one of its flagships – USCGC Stone (WMSL 758), the United States Coast Guard has launched Operation Southern Cross to tackle Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing.

The brand new Legend-class national security cutter departed Pascagoula, Mississippi, on Tuesday, just ahead of Christmas, for a multi-month deployment to the South Atlantic countering illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing while strengthening relationships for maritime sovereignty and security throughout the region.

In a statement, the US Coast Guard said UGCGC Stone will provide a presence, and support national security objectives throughout the Atlantic.

This patrol is the cutter’s initial shakedown cruise following its delivery in November. This is the service’s first patrol to South America in recent times, engaging partners including Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Portugal.

Operation Southern Cross is conducted in conjunction with U.S. Southern Command, charged with managing operations in Central and South America by working collaboratively to ensure the Western Hemisphere is secure, free, and prosperous.

In September 2020, the Coast Guard released the Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing Strategic Outlook, which reaffirms its commitment to global maritime security, regional stability, and economic prosperity.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to the protection of living marine resources. IUU fishing threatens the health of fish stocks and adversely impacts those who follow global norms and national laws. This is a global issue, and IUU is a problem too big for any one nation. Only by working together can we protect livelihoods, ensure ports remain economically productive, and support and sustainable fisheries industry. Stone’s patrol demonstrates our commitment to the established rules-based order while addressing IUU fishing wherever a Coast Guard cutter is deployed,” Vice Adm. Steven Poulin, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area said.

Captain Adam Morrison, commanding officer of USCGC Stone (WMSL 758), said he is proud of the professional men and women, for whom he is serving alongside. “It is no easy feat to assemble a crew and ready a cutter for sea – but this crew has had to perform this difficult task while observing protective measures associated with the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. The crew and I look forward to this historic first voyage, as Stone begins a storied career of service to this nation. While balancing training and qualification requirements, Stone’s crew will engage with partner nations in South America in a like-minded pursuit to curb illegal fishing tactics,” Captain Morrison said.

Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing, the Coast Guard said, hinders the legitimate supply of this protein resource to the world.  It explained that IUU Fishing results in tens of billions of dollars of lost revenue to legal fishers every year. Of the world’s top marine fish stocks, 93 percent classified as fully exploited, overexploited or significantly depleted.