ABG and Sea Shepherd Global formalize partnership to combat illegal fishing and strengthen maritime security
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formalized a partnership with Sea Shepherd Global through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at addressing illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in Bougainville's waters.
This five-year agreement focuses on enhancing maritime law enforcement, conducting joint at-sea patrols, and building capacity for Bougainville’s maritime policing and enforcement operations.
Highlighting the significance of this partnership, President Ishmael Toroama noted, “With the signing of this MoU, I am honored that it marks the beginning of an enhanced relationship with Sea Shepherd Global. This collaboration is important as we advance towards independence, establishing Sea Shepherd Global as a proven partner in addressing our maritime issues.”
The scope of the partnership includes coordinated efforts in monitoring, control, and surveillance to regulate fishing activities within Bougainville’s internal waters, as defined by the Bougainville Constitution to extend up to three nautical miles.
Key aspects of the collaboration will involve regular inspections, vessel monitoring, and emergency response capabilities to safeguard Bougainville's marine resources and respond effectively to maritime incidents.
The ABG Department of Primary Industries and Marine Resources, together with the Bougainville Police Service, will lead these enforcement operations, supported by dedicated logistical resources and personnel. Sea Shepherd Global will contribute an offshore patrol vessel equipped with an experienced crew to assist in the operational activities, which include patrolling, vessel inspections, and data collection.
Sea Shepherd Global Chief of Campaigns, Peter Hammarstedt, highlighted their commitment to working alongside Bougainville authorities to enforce maritime regulations and provide critical response support, particularly to remote island communities.
“We will work closely with our partners here to provide enforcement in that area. There are remote island communities here in Bougainville; our vessel will allow the government to respond to medical emergencies, he said”
“There are search and rescue issues within the maritime domain of Bougainville and beyond; and this vessel will allow the government to respond to those emergencies,” he added.
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