Coast Guard Seek Input on Ocean Guardian

The Coast Guard will hold listening sessions around the country beginning the end of March seeking input from all sectors of the fishing industry on its fisheries law enforcement strategy, especially as it relates to current fisheries trends and future challenges. At the listening sessions, the Coast Guard will discuss its fisheries strategic plan, known as Ocean Guardian, which outlines the Coast Guard’s strategy for effective and professional fisheries law enforcement. The Coast Guard enforces fisheries laws and regulations in the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (3.4 million sq.mi.) and on the high seas. Ocean Guardian is revalidated every five years to ensure it is properly aligned with domestic and international enforcement needs. The Coast Guard encourages commercial and recreational fishers, managers, conservationists, and enforcement partners to participate. The listening sessions will consist of a brief presentation on Ocean Guardian followed by a facilitated discussion of issues. During the discussion, all participants will be given the opportunity to identify and comment upon important issues affecting the industry now or in the future. They will also be asked to express their ideas for improving the Coast Guard’s fisheries law enforcement strategy. Interested persons who are unable to attend the listening sessions may send comments via e-mail through a special Ocean Guardian website, http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opl/mle/LMR/htm. A copy of the current Ocean Guardian Strategic Plan, and a report on key outcomes from each listening session can also be found at the site.