Over 3,000 shark fins being recovered from illegal high-seas fishing vessels was just one of many situations Oceans Canada (DFO) officers dealt with over the past two months.
The mission took place in the northern regions of the Pacific Ocean off BC’s coast in order to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“I am proud of the leading role Canada plays in protecting fish stocks threatened by IUU fishing, and in combating marine ecosystem destruction,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “This helps protect the livelihood of our harvesters and maintains sustainable fisheries around the globe.”
“I thank the experienced crew of fishery officers, Coast Guard personnel and our partners in the United States Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for their efforts under Operation Pacific North Guard to detect and deter illegal fishing activities.”
This mission, dubbed ‘Operation North Pacific Guard’ takes place annually, but this was the first time Canada led the charge.
The operation saw officers of the collaborating agencies traverse over 12,000 nautical miles — more than half the circumference of the world.
In their travels they would inspect vessels they came across and ended up finding 3,000 illegally obtained shark fins. Some fins even came from threatened species like the oceanic whitetip shark.
They also came across and documented incidents of marine pollution, among the 58 total violations they are investigating as a result of the mission.
 officers dealt with over the past two months. ){kind=link}