Japanese Fisheries Patrol Vessel “UMESATO” Calls at Palau

From February 1 to 24, 2023, the Fisheries Agency of Japan’s patrol vessel UMESATO calls at Palau. The 64.63-meter long, 499-ton gross tonnage vessel is engaged in enforcement activities to eradicate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the waters of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention Area, which includes Palau waters.
 
This is the seventh call to Palau by the Japan’s fisheries patrol vessel since 2014, and the first in three years since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the voyage, the vessel will sail through Palauan EEZ to render guidance to Japanese fishing vessels operating in the Domestic Fishing Zone of Palau, as well as engage in collecting information on foreign fishing activities together with Palauan coast guard officials on board. These activities are part of assistance for Palau to tackle IUU fisheries, based on the long-standing and strong friendship and partnership between Japan and Palau.
 
On February 13, 2023, on board the UMESATO, the Attorney General and Acting Minister of Justice Ms. Ernestine Rengiil, the Director of the Public Safety Mr. Ismael Aguon and MOJ officials were invited to the ship to receive a courtesy call by the Captain and Fisheries Supervisors of the Fisheries Agency of Japan. Ambassador of Japan ORIKASA Hiroyuki joined the tour of the vessel with the participants guided by the Captain. Throughout these events, the Attorney General expressed her high appreciation for the activities of UMESATO and her gratitude for the extensive cooperation of the Fisheries Agency of Japan.