Fiji undertakes first shiprider aboard US Naval Coast Guard Cutter Munro today

Fiji is now undertaking its first shiprider aboard the US Naval Coast Guard Cutter Munro beginning today.

This follows the signing of the Shiprider Agreement between the Fijian Government and the Government of the United States of America on the 12th of last month.

The Shiprider agreement enables Fiji Border Security Agencies to intensify their efforts to provide better protection of Fiji’s borders from illicit maritime threats and transnational activities with the assistance of the US Navy.

While speaking in a press conference this morning at the Kings Wharf in Suva, U.S Coast Guard Cutter Munro Captain, Jim Estramonte says that their mission is to help with the protection of the abundant fisheries and natural resources included in Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone adding that part of their mission is to also help build the prosperity of the Oceania Region.

Captain Estramonte also highlighted that the Pacific Ocean is home to many of the widest population in fisheries and if gone unregulated, people with ill intent can take advantage of that.

Fiji Navy Sub Lieutenant, Opeti Eresi says that Fiji has around 1.3 million square kilometres of oceans and Fiji does not have the capability to protect it’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Eresi says that this partnership Fiji has with the U.S Coast Guard will give another tool to the Fiji Navy in terms of protecting Fiji’s Economic Exclusive Zone and Sovereignty.