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Members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Fisheries and Oceans Canada protection officers have concluded a successful two-week sweep over the North Pacific Ocean as part of Operation Driftnet, which resulted in the seizure of a vessel alleged to have violated international fisheries regulations.
The Chinese-registered vessel is alleged to have been using an illegal driftnet. Between 900 to 1,200 pounds (400 to 550 kilograms) of salmon, which is a banned fishery in that area, was also found on board. The vessel is suspected of committing serious international and domestic fisheries violations.
The United Nations banned the use of driftnets in 1992 because of the serious harm they were doing to our oceans and the species they capture.
The apprehension was the result of a successful, combined international effort, including the Canadian-led 2014 Operation High Seas Driftnet, which monitors the North Pacific Ocean for evidence of high seas driftnets and other illegal fishing activity using ongoing aerial and at-sea patrols, as well as sophisticated satellite imaging technology including Canada’s Radarsat-2.
Canada’s 2014 patrol was coordinated by Canadian protection officers from British Columbia stationed in Hakodate, Japan, with support from the United States Coast Guard out of Juneau, Alaska, and in collaboration with specialists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces through Canadian Joint Operations Command and its supporting elements. These included the use of a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia.
“I would like to commend the CP-140 crew for their hard work and dedication on Operation High Seas Driftnet 2014, which led to this extremely successful interception,” said Defence Minister Rob Nicholson. “Operation High Seas Driftnet is an important component of Canada’s contribution to the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission. The Department of National Defence is proud to be a part of this cooperative approach to protecting Canadian interests.”
The vessel was seized by Chinese authorities, who were part of the effort to capture the vessel, and a full investigation will be conducted when the vessel arrives in China to determine specific charges.
The mission greatly benefits from close strategic partnerships between Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard and the Government of Japan. This year’s operation included support from Representatives of China’s Fisheries Law Enforcement Command. The participation by Chinese fisheries enforcement personnel in this situation speaks to the firm commitment that all North Pacific fishing nations have to address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas. Canada would like to express its appreciation to Chinese authorities for that quick action.
Canada continues to play a leadership role in supporting sustainable global fisheries, including working to eradicate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activity in the North Pacific Ocean.
