Editors' Note: Media interested in attending should RSVP no later than 5 p.m. April 23 by calling 832-293-1293 or emailing PADETHouston@gmail.com. Space is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHAT: Interviews on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) and a boat ride as part of a North American Maritime Security Initiative exercise
WHO: Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi command and Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR) leaders
WHEN: Interviews from 9-10 a.m. followed by a boat ride from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24
WHERE: Interviews will be held at the Port of Corpus Christi, 400 Harbor Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78401. The boat ride will depart from the Lawrence Street T-Head, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard and SEMAR are scheduled to offer interviews on IUUF and a boat ride for media as part of a North American Maritime Security Initiative exercise in Corpus Christi on Wednesday.
During a tabletop exercise Tuesday, Coast Guard and SEMAR personnel will discuss strategies and tactics for interdicting Mexican lanchas illegally fishing in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.
The following Coast Guard and SEMAR leaders will be available for interviews at the Port of Corpus Christi on Wednesday:
- Coast Guard Capt. Jason Gunning, commander, Sector Corpus Christi
- Coast Guard Capt. Michael Cintron, deputy commander, Sector Corpus Christi
- Cmdr. Alexander Fonseca Saynes, Mexican Navy Lead Planner
- Cmdr. Nelson Alvarez Chavez, commander, ARM Independencia (PO-163)
- Lt. Laura Elena Pérez Martínez, commander, ARM Uxmal (PC-335)
- Lt. Ana Ruth González Hernández, IUUF Inspector
Media are invited to ride along on a Coast Guard boat as the SEMAR ships ARM Independencia and ARM Uxmal depart the Port of Corpus Christi at 12:30 p.m.
IUUF is a global problem that threatens ocean ecosystems and sustainable fisheries critical to global food and economic security. It can also serve as a gateway to transnational criminal organizations who use its profits to sustain other illegal activities.
In 2023, the Coast Guard interdicted 51 Mexican lanchas engaged in illegal fishing in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, detained 206 fishermen, and seized 6,714 pounds of fish. Thus far in 2024, the Coast Guard has interdicted 17 lanchas, detained 73 fishermen, and seized 4,500 pounds of fish.
First instituted in 2008, NAMSI is an interagency and tri-lateral forum among U.S., Mexican and Canadian maritime commands intended to develop and refine maritime operations, as well as synchronize training and operational interoperability amongst forces of the three nations. The three participating nations actively seek opportunities to operate together and strengthen their cohesive approach to enhance regional maritime security in North America.
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