US Coast Guard, Cook Islands counterparts conclude joint maritime law enforcement operation

The coast guard said the boardings focused on verifying compliance with Cook Island fisheries regulations, including proper licensing, gear restrictions and reporting requirements.

The coast guard added that the increased presence of law enforcement activity serves as a deterrent to potential illegal fishing activities, and that the Harriet Lane crew’s presence has deterred, "increasing trends of drug smuggling in the Pacific."

The bilateral operations are conducted under the existing maritime law enforcement agreement between the US and Cook Islands. The coast guard said these agreements allow its personnel to work with partner nations to enforce their sovereign laws and protect shared maritime interests.