Previous Story
Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing in FSM and Palau increasing
ASAN, Guam—On March 17, a multilateral conference was held in Guam regarding increasing illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, or IUU, in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
Representatives of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Guam, and the U.S. Coast Guard pose for a photo at the Joint Region Marianas Flag conference room in Asan, Guam, on March 17. (Contributed Photo)
Upon reviewing case studies of increasing IUU boats from Southeast Asia and South Asia illegally fishing in the FSM and Palau economic exclusion zones, the delegations forged an understanding of IUU emerging issues and a process for collaborative short- and long-term solutions.
The delegations committed to expand regional partnerships in combating IUU violations in small island nations.
Participants included the U.S. Department of State, American Embassy Kolonia, American Embassy Koror, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. military, Australian Embassy for the Micronesian Region, and delegations from FSM and Palau.
The U.S. delegation was led by U.S. Ambassador Doria Rosen (FSM) and U.S. Ambassador Amy Hyatt (Palau). The Australian delegation was led by Second Secretary and Consul Nikola Pejic. The FSM delegation was led by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert. The Palau delegation was led by Special Assistant to the President Keobel Sakuma.
Observers included U.S. Pacific Command staff, Federal Bureau of Investigation Guam office, Australia’s Office of National Assessment, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Yap state government. The meeting was facilitated by the U.S. Defense Representative office for FSM and Palau. (PR)
