The United States Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane and the Cook Islands completed a nine-day joint maritime law enforcement operation near Rarotonga. During the operation, crews from the Harriet Lane and the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources inspected six fishing vessels. One suspected violation was found, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific.
A recent initiative focused on preventing illegal fishing in the waters of the Cook Islands' exclusive economic zone, which borders the American Samoa Exclusive Economic Zone. Cook Islands officers worked with the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Harriet Lane to inspect vessels operating in the area. They checked documents and fishing practices to ensure compliance with marine protection laws, as stated by the U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard Hawaii Pacific on their Instagram page, the Coast Guard and the Cook Islands conducted joint maritime patrols to monitor and protect marine resources. CDR Nicole Tesoniero, commanding officer of the Cutter Harriet Lane, said, “Working with the Cook Islands’ Ministry of Marine Resources has been an incredible opportunity. Seeing firsthand our combine dedication to protecting marine resources and upholding laws and regulations reinforces the importance of these partnerships.”
