Santa Rita, GU — The USCGC Washington, home ported in Santa Rita, Guam, returned from a two-week joint maritime law enforcement patrol conducted with the Republic of Palau and Australia under Operation Oceania Shield.
USCGC Washington partnered with Palauan and Australian assets to patrol over 25,000 square nautical miles within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Palauan archipelago.
The joint operation focused on protecting Palau’s waters from illegal foreign fishing activities, enforcing living marine resource regulations, and suppressing violations of environmental law.
The Coast Guard, in partnership with Palauan law enforcement officials, boarded four foreign fishing vessels to inspect documentation, examine fish holds for illegal catch, and ensure compliance with Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission conservation management measures.
The Coast Guard exercises the use of bilateral international agreements with several Oceania nations to assist in the enforcement of the host nation’s fisheries laws and promote economic and environmental stability vital to the western pacific region. (PR)