Two officers from the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) recently collaborated with the US Coast Guard in the Cook Islands Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) for approximately 14 days.

The purpose of the US Coast Guard operating in the Cook Islands EEZ with two officers from MMR, is to support whatever the Cook Islands need, to help monitor fishery actions within the country’s EEZ and to help enforce, and regulate the Cook Islands fisheries.

MMR must conduct fishery boarding’s within the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to effectively monitor vessels and ensure their compliance with licensing conditions and maritime or fishing laws.

Upon returning from their mission, the officers highlighted the success of this joint operation, which builds on the partnership established in 2008 aimed at enhancing maritime security and fisheries enforcement.

This aligns with the mission of MMR, which is to promote sustainable resource management and the economic advancement of our marine sector, in conjunction with our partners, for the benefit of the people of the Cook Islands.

Since the local patrol boat, Te Kukupa II, was unavailable, the US Coast Guard stepped in to assist the Cook Islands by temporarily filling the gap in patrol capacity.

According to Commander Nicholas Gilmore, the US Coast Guard attaché representing the US Embassy, the operation was a success.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for not only our crew to learn from your fisheries officers, but for the fishery officers to learn from our crew and to build the ability to work together. I think it’s a 100% success.”

Bermy Ariihee, Authorised Fisheries officer from the MMR, shared that while on board the U.S Coast Guard, Harriet Lane (WMEC 903), “The objective and the mission out at sea with Harriet Lane, the US Coast Guard, was to board long live vessels that are currently in our waters and to ensure that they’re compliant with the licensing and regulation conditions.”

Ariihee, explained the relationship between the Cook Islands and the US Coast Guard, falls under the bilateral ship rider agreement, primarily to combat Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) and the EEZ.

According to Ariihee, the MMR of the Cook Islands is central to the oversight of sustainable utilisation and the conservation of our extensive ocean territory.

She expressed that their collaboration with the US Coast Guard operates under the bilateral Ship Rider Agreement, promoting joint efforts to combat Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) activities and protect the Cook Islands' marine resources, such as the tuna fishery within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Fisheries Officer Sai Sarau explained his duties include VMS monitoring, carrying out at-sea observer duties on the Cook Island flag and foreign flag licensed vessels, and conducting aerial surveillance and surface patrol on the Cook Islands EEZ.

US Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement First Class Brennen Augustine’s role during the operation was supporting the two Fisheries Officers with conducting boarding on vessels in the Cook Islands EEZ.