Navy and U.S. consolidate maritime cooperation against illegal fishing; seek to combat transnational organized crime

Mexico's Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) and high-ranking officials from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have met to bolster maritime security and reaffirm their commitment to combating transnational organized crime. From June 3 to 5, Mexican naval command officials engaged with U.S. Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Integration and Development Vice Adm. James W. Kilby and U.S. Coast Guard Commander Vice Adm. Kevin E. Lunday.

Their discussions centered on maritime security strategies, search and rescue operations, and the fight against illegal fishing. This cooperation is built on mutual respect for sovereignty and trust between the two nations. The Semar highlighted in a statement that U.S. authorities recognized the operational capabilities of the Mexican Navy across sea, air, and land, as well as the effectiveness of the bilateral cooperation.

Particular emphasis was placed on the Mexican naval triad model, integrating ships, helicopters, and interceptor patrol boats. The incorporation of unmanned systems has significantly expanded surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime target tracking capabilities. The agenda also reaffirmed that the maritime domain is a dynamic and successful area of bilateral relations. Through continuous coordination mechanisms, Mexico and the United States are enhancing their capacity to confront shared threats, safeguard strategic trade routes, preserve marine resources, and ensure the safety of millions dependent on maritime activities.

Semar stated that a key message from Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles was the importance of strengthening the North American Maritime Security and Protection Initiative (NAMSI). This trilateral mechanism, established in 2008, facilitates coordinated efforts to combat illicit maritime activities, exchange strategic information, and develop synchronized operations while maintaining sovereign control over each nation's jurisdictional waters. Regarding environmental matters, Semar reiterated Mexico's commitment to international agreements for marine species protection and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, especially in the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico, consolidating Semar's leadership as the Maritime Authority.

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The team made an incredibly big turnaround compared to yesterday in terms of setup. Yesterday, I'm not going to lie, we were struggling.