Coast Guard Dispatches 3,000-Ton Patrol Ship to North Pacific; Korea, U.S. to Monitor Illegal Fishing

The South Korean Coast Guard (KCG) is deploying a 3,000-ton patrol vessel, the 3018, to the North Pacific to combat illegal fishing. The vessel will enter the high seas of the North Pacific on June 14 and conduct surveillance missions targeting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing for three days. The KCG has designated specific areas as intensive monitoring zones based on analyses of ship signals and satellite imagery through its advanced Korean Maritime Domain Awareness (K-MDA) system.

This year's operation marks a significant milestone with the unprecedented participation of two U.S. Coast Guard personnel aboard the KCG vessel. They will engage in joint navigation and IUU fishing monitoring, a first for foreign coast guard officers serving on a South Korean patrol ship. The 3018 will make a port call in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to refuel and conduct practical consultations with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The deployment stems from discussions at the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum, where member nations agreed to enhance cooperation in cracking down on illegal fishing. Last year, the KCG dispatched a patrol vessel that inspected five ships and identified 11 violations. The KCG aims to ensure the sustainability of marine resources for future generations and expand national interests through this mission.

KCG Acting Commissioner Jang In-sik stated, "This North Pacific patrol is more than just maritime law enforcement; it is a valuable journey to ensure the sustainability of the sea for the future and broaden national interests." The joint operation with the U.S. underscores a growing international commitment to maritime security and resource management in the region.

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This North Pacific patrol is more than just maritime law enforcement; it is a valuable journey to ensure the sustainability of the sea for the future and broaden national interests.