Operation North Pacific Guard strengthens relations with Japan, monitors high seas fisheries during Pacific-wide patrol

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has completed its annual patrol of the North Pacific Ocean to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity and monitor fishing fleets active on the high seas.

Ottawa, ON - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has completed its annual patrol of the North Pacific Ocean to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity and monitor fishing fleets active on the high seas. IUU fishing poses a global threat, undermining fish populations and marine environments, as well as having a significant impact on fair markets and global seafood supply chains. Through strong international partnerships, surveillance by air, sea, and satellite, and coordinated enforcement efforts, Canada is protecting vulnerable fish stocks including wild Pacific salmon while supporting healthy ecosystems and global food security.

DFO’s annual mission, referred to as Operation North Pacific Guard (Op. NPG), relied on the skill and expertise of an integrated crew of experts led by DFO fishery officers and supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Canadian patrol also included representatives from the Fisheries Agency of Japan, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  

Fishery officers and support personnel patrolled over 23,000 km while onboard the Canadian Coast Guard vessel, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a high endurance, multi-purpose vessel that is also a light icebreaker and is biofuel capable. Over the course of two months, the expert crew monitored several hundred fishing vessels and conducted 30 high-seas inspections, interacting with over 500 crew members. The team also participated in the rescue of three Canadians from a distressed sailing vessel in the North Pacific which occurred during the patrol.