US patrol boat to arrive in Argentine ports in January to fight illegal fishing

In websites specializing in US naval activities, it was reported at this time that it was “the first patrol to serve South America in recent memory” and that it involved “partners”. such as Argentina, Brazil, Guyana, Portugal and Portugal.

These sites speak of the operation that the American patrol vessel USCGC Stone (United States Coast Guard Cutter) will begin in a few days in the South Atlantic, which does not go unnoticed.

Sometimes the American patrol has a high level of cooperation from the government of Alberto Fernández and his Minister of Security, Sabina Frederic -Who manages the prefecture and therefore its links-, in activities which, on the contrary, had been suspended or reduced during the administration of former President Cristina Kirchner following the conflicts – hyper ideologized – with Washington which had affected the exchange in Defense and Security.

The encounters now take place not only against a backdrop of zigzag linkage, albeit smoother than before 2015 – Mauricio Macri has reestablished the relationship – but the USCGC ship is expected in the port of Mar del Plata for January. He does not have a scheduled day, but he will benefit from a welcome adapted to the pandemic during the first month of January, which coincides precisely with the inauguration of Joe Biden, with whom Fernández seeks a rapprochement.

Although it is the USCGC, it is a Coast Guard patrol vessel, and Homeland Security this one, its unusual presence in this area is reminiscent of the activities of the US Fleet. saying Southern Command, which sensitized both countries for its acts of deterrence during the Cold War. And it depended on the Ministry of Defense.

However, the USCGC’s deterrent will now be the presence of other geopolitical features: aims to intimidate illegal activities, illegal traffic and in particular illegal fishing, which has become one of the main plagues in the waters of the planet.

But the message also has content against America’s new rivals: China. “While much attention has been paid to the Pacific, where U.S. officials say China’s expanding fishing and patrol fleets have flaunted international law and threaten the economic security and sovereignty of nations, there is similar concerns about resources. natives of the South Atlantic, ”begins a letter from the US Naval Institute on the arrival of the USCGC in this area.

“The growing concern about illegal activities in the fisheries off South America, including the sightings of more Chinese and Asian fishing boats, has led Argentina to buy new offshore patrol vessels for its coastguard, ”he warns, referring to official policy, which even Frederick maintains.

During his various meetings with the outgoing ambassador of the United States, Edward Prado – who would end his mission when Joe Biden took the presidency on January 20 – security cooperation has been maintained and even strengthened.

In addition to the approval of a new fisheries law this year, which increased fines for vessels that commit illicit crimes, Frédéric supported the Prefecture – it arrested and fined three foreign vessels, two Chinese and a Portuguese – and assigned a helicopter for special operations.

The USCGC Stone Legend class (WMSL) has a crew of 120 men and women. Although they moor in Mar del Plata, they will not conduct activities with Argentines nor will they be able to disembark as the approval of the Argentine Congress is required. In theory, they also won’t be sailing within 200 miles of the exclusive economic zone.

The inaugural deployment is “a multi-month deployment to the South Atlantic to tackle illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing while strengthening relationships for maritime sovereignty and security throughout the region,” a statement said. Guard press. Coastal.