The fight against illegal fishing is gaining new momentum thanks to increasingly effective international cooperation. Operation POLPÊCHE, conducted in partnership between the French Armed Forces in Guiana (FAG) and their U.S. counterparts, highlights a joint effort to combat unregulated fishing activities that threaten ecosystems and maritime sovereignty.
As part of this combined operation, French Guianese forces work in close collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard to identify and intercept vessels engaged in illegal fishing within France’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Multiple interventions carried out in 2024 led to the inspection of several suspect vessels, resulting in the seizure of thousands of tons of illegally caught fish and the destruction of prohibited fishing equipment. This collaboration has been strengthened through intelligence sharing and the implementation of joint patrols, significantly improving response capabilities to maritime law violations.
Illegal fishing poses a significant threat to local fishery resources and the regional maritime economy. In French Guiana, where marine biodiversity plays a crucial role in ecological balance and the livelihoods of coastal communities, such operations are vital.
Local authorities emphasize the positive impact of this international cooperation in preserving fishing zones, particularly thanks to advanced technological resources provided by U.S. partners, such as drone surveillance and long-range radar systems.
While France plays a central role in executing Operation POLPÊCHE, it is the cooperative dynamic between French Guianese and U.S. forces that forms the cornerstone of this strategy. The presence of the U.S. Coast Guard, combined with the local expertise of the FAG, maximizes the effectiveness of operations, making the fight against illegal fishing more deterrent and impactful.
This alliance underscores the growing importance of international partnerships in tackling modern maritime challenges. Future phases of the operation will see increased surveillance efforts and an expansion of intervention capabilities, ensuring the long-term protection of the region’s marine resources.
In a world where ocean conservation is becoming a crucial priority, Operation POLPÊCHE stands as a successful example of cross-border cooperation, offering hope for the future of marine biodiversity and the local economy.