Republished from Radio New Zealand, 24 January 2019
Fiji’s efforts to protect its fisheries and borders received a boost this week following the arrival of a United States Coast Guard patrol vessel.
The Commander of the Cutter Mellon, Stephen Burdian, told Fijivillage the ship will help Fiji to patrol its waters for illegal fishing and to counter drug-trafficking.
He said the exercise is part of a Pacific Fisheries Commission agreement which Fiji, the US and 41 other nations and agencies are party to.
Captain Burdian said the commission aims to manage and preserve fish stocks in the region.
The crew will also visit an animal shelter and children’s hospital while in Fiji.
