US Coast Guard patrol vessel Cutter Mellon to assist Fiji in patrolling and border protection

The U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel Cutter Mellon which arrived in Fiji this morning has been assisting Fiji in patrolling and border protection.

Commanding Officer Stephen Burdian says they patrol for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and also to counter the threats from drug trafficking.

Commanding Officer Stephen Burdian

This was made possible through the signing of the Shiprider Agreement between the Fijian Government and the United States of America.

Burdian says their presence here signifies their commitment to the region and Fiji.

He says Fiji along with the United States and 41 other nations and agencies has also signed the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission agreement whose goal is to manage and preserve the fisheries stock for generations to come.