PALIKIR, Pohnpei — From April 18-May 04, 2024, the Maritime Surveillance & Border Control of the FSM Department of Justice joined forces with the Kiribati Police Maritime Unit in order to combat Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Activities (IUU Fishing) and other transnational crimes. The FSS Bethwel Henry set sail to the Republic of Kiribati under the command of Chief/Commander Steward Peter for this joint patrol operation and was welcomed by Assistant Commissioner John Mote of Kiribati.This is the first time that a special joint maritime operation between the FSM and Kiribati was ever held in a single joint operation involving the second Guardian Class Patrol Boats donated by the Australian Government. This joint operation is aimed primarily at strengthening the capacity of maritime law enforcement between the FSM and Kiribati towards enhancing joint operability and establishing effective maritime surveillance control. It also enhances national measures against maritime crimes and transnational crimes, as both countries have the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the Pacific region with waters rich in biodiversity and natural resources.
The joint patrol operation creates synergies through cooperative interactions among the law enforcement crews of both Surveillance Units from the FSM and Kiribati in terms of combating IUU Fishing and active patrolling in their respective vast EEZs. It will also build on the success of previous iterations, and provide opportunities to share experiences, skills, and knowledge in the conduct of operations and prepare the respective crews better for future operations. This joint patrol operation successfully concluded with potential of future collaboration and positive cooperation to reinvigorate the friendship between the FSM and Kiribati in protecting their maritime borders and their precious ocean resources.
FSS Bethwel Henry departed the Republic of Kiribati and made a stopover in the Republic of Marshall Islands to donate spare parts to RMI’s Pacific Class Patrol Boat in order to join more operations for law enforcement activities. This generous donation is expected to further enhance and improve the FSM’s strong partnership with RMI in addressing common challenges in the area of fisheries and maritime security.
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