Coast Patrol Department's "Patrol No. 9" sets sail today to carry out 60 days of high seas fishery patrols

The Coast Guard's "Patrol No. 9" set sail from Kaohsiung Port today (28th), and jointly carried out the third high seas fishery patrol mission of this year for a period of 60 days with the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture. Guan Biling, chairman of the Marine Commission, emphasized that fishing patrols and rescue operations will not sacrifice fishing rights.

Guan Biling boarded the ship before sailing to express her condolences, specifically mentioning the recent discussion caused by the Coast Guard's donation of decommissioned ships to the Philippines. She said that the Coast Guard's important mission is to protect the safety of fishermen and safeguard fishing rights, and it will never make decisions that harm fishermen and sacrifice fishing rights. The relationship between the Coast Guard and fishermen is not just about law enforcement and law enforcement. From protecting fisheries to emergencies such as fishing boat fires, crew members falling overboard, and evacuation of injuries and illnesses, the Coast Guard has always been an important support for fishermen.

Guan Biling said that maritime rescue does not respect national boundaries and is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also mutual assistance. In the past, when Chinese fishing boats were in distress in the Philippine search and rescue area, they also received assistance from the Philippines. Improving each other's rescue capabilities is to provide additional protection for fishermen. Such cooperation should not be distorted to harm the rights and interests of fishermen.

The Coast Guard has long focused on the North Pacific and the Central and Western Pacific as the focus of high seas fishery patrols, dispatching ships to maintain the order and safety of high seas fisheries, and to enhance interaction with distant-water fishermen. Guan Biling urges the duty team to not only perform maritime patrols, fishing vessel boarding and other duties in accordance with the law, but also become the most reliable backing for Taiwanese fishermen in the ocean. "Law enforcement, protection of fishing rights, and rescue of lives are not in conflict. This is the daily routine of maritime patrol."