Canadian fisheries officers have launched their first high seas mission to combat illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific.
Unregulated and unreported fishing activities in the North Pacific undermine significant efforts from multiple countries to conserve fish stocks.
While they impact ecosystems and marine life across the world, Canada has committed internationally to monitor sections of the ocean.
That includes roughly 28 million square kilometres of water, where more than 1,200 vessels are legally registered to fish.
In order to undertake the task, the DFO has contracted a vessel from Atlantic Towing, and will be assisted by the Canadian and US Coast Guards.
Officers will be on the seas for roughly a month, during which time they will conduct patrols, inspections, and boardings to ensure compliance.
During that time, they will also be collecting scientific data to better understand the region and its species.
