Koror, Palau – In a joint press conference yesterday, President Surangel Whipps Jr. and U.S. Coast Guard officials detailed the challenges Palau faces in protecting its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, and announced collaborative efforts to safeguard Palau’s resources. Present were U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich, Captain Jessica Worst of the U.S. Coast Guard, and other key Palauan and U.S. representatives.
Palau’s waters, covering one of the world’s most expansive EEZs, have seen rising instances of unauthorized incursions, including unauthorized Chinese research vessels and fishing operations deploying illegal fish aggregating devices (FADs). President Whipps highlighted these escalating threats, saying, “We are truly appreciative of the Coast Guard’s efforts that helped to identify more than 100 FADs. We sank 25 of them.” He added that the FADs had devices that were “pretty sophisticated” and may require additional analysis to determine their origin.
Recent surveillance by a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 aircraft revealed over 100 illegal FADs in Palau’s waters. These floating devices, often used to lure and aggregate fish, allow illegal fishing boats to illegally harvest Palau’s fish resources. In response, Palau, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, embarked on an operation from October 7-11 to destroy a portion of the discovered FADs.
Ambassador Ehrendreich reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Palau’s security and maritime law enforcement. “We are more than just friends; we are family,” he said, referencing the Compact of Free Association (COFA). He underscored that the illegal deployment of FADs and the activities of uninvited vessels threaten Palau’s resources and disrupt lawful fishing practices. “These FADs and the ships illegally benefiting from them are a threat to Palau’s economy, food security, and environment,” Ehrendreich stated.
Captain Jessica Worst, who recently assumed command of U.S. Coast Guard Forces in Micronesia, outlined the agency’s multifaceted support in surveillance, law enforcement, and community engagement. “We provide a wide range of support, from aerial surveillance and patrolling to capacity-building with Palauan law enforcement,” she said. Patrols often include Palauan “shipriders,” who accompany Coast Guard vessels to assist with local enforcement efforts and ensure compliance with Palauan fishing regulations.
The United States and Palau also coordinate on search and rescue operations, safe boating education, and navigation aid improvements to enhance the safety and accessibility of Palauan waters. According to Captain Worst, this year alone, the U.S. Coast Guard has conducted five Fast Response Cutter patrols to strengthen the monitoring of Palau’s EEZ. She noted that joint patrols allow both Palauan and U.S. law enforcement to collaborate closely, share best practices.
The press conference also highlighted the re-launch of Operation Sea Dragon, a seasonal initiative anticipated to return next July or August. Operation Sea Dragon provides extensive aerial and maritime surveillance of Palau’s EEZ and aims to transition toward using advanced, high-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the future.
While the U.S. Coast Guard has confiscated several tracking devices and other gear found on illegal FADs, their origin remains unclear. Captain Worst noted that many devices lack identifying marks, making it difficult to trace them to specific sources. “We’re working with the U.S. government and other agencies to analyze these devices further and understand their purpose,” she explained, indicating that other U.S. agencies might assist with technical analysis to pinpoint their source.
This strengthened partnership aims to curb IUU fishing in Palau’s waters, which both nations agree is crucial to ensuring the security and prosperity of the Pacific region. “We look forward to more joint efforts and seeing more Coast Guard vessels in our waters to deter illegal activities,” said President Whipps.