Canadian-led High Seas Mission Discovers Illegal Shark Fin Harvesting and “Dark Vessels” in North Pacific
Victoria, British Columbia – October 28, 2024 – A Canadian-led international mission to monitor and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the North Pacific has uncovered evidence of widespread illegal harvesting of shark fins and the operation of “dark vessels” engaged in nefarious activities.
The mission, led by the Canadian Coast Guard and supported by the Royal Canadian Navy, involved surveillance flights and at-sea inspections by a multi-national team of fisheries officers from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Over the course of the six-week operation, the mission detected and boarded several fishing vessels suspected of engaging in illegal activities. In one instance, a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel was found to be carrying a large quantity of shark fins, which had been illegally harvested from protected species. The vessel was also found to be operating without proper documentation and was detained by the Royal Canadian Navy.
In addition to illegal shark fin harvesting, the mission also discovered the presence of “dark vessels” – fishing vessels that have turned off their transponders or other tracking devices to avoid detection by authorities. These vessels are often associated with illegal fishing and other criminal activities.
“This mission has shed light on the alarming extent of illegal fishing and associated activities in the North Pacific,” said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joyce Murray. “Canada is committed to working with our international partners to combat IUU fishing and protect our oceans.”
The evidence gathered during the mission will be used to strengthen enforcement efforts and prosecute those involved in illegal fishing. Canada is also working with partner nations to develop new technologies and strategies to detect and deter IUU fishing.
“The success of this mission is a testament to the importance of international cooperation in combatting illegal fishing,” said Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific. “The Royal Canadian Navy is proud to have played a role in protecting our oceans and ensuring the sustainability of our marine resources.”
The mission is part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to combating IUU fishing and protecting marine ecosystems. Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and is actively involved in international efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management.
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