Five Russian vessels caught the attention of the Icelandic Coast Guard on December 8 as they were fishing just outside Iceland’s jurisdiction during routine monitoring of maritime activity around the country.
According to the Coast Guard, a total of 295 vessels were visible in its monitoring systems on the morning of December 8. These included ships operating both within the Icelandic exclusive economic zone and in surrounding international waters.
The Coast Guard observes that Russian fishing vessels operating close to the legal boundary east of the country are not common.
Surveillance and law enforcement within the Icelandic jurisdiction is carried out, the Coast Guard reports, with remote surveillance and satellites alongside physical presence. It operates two large patrol boats as well as aircraft and helicopters.
The Coast Guard confirmed that its ships have been monitoring the eastern part of the country lately, and have, among other things, been boarding foreign vessels engaged in herring fishing within the jurisdiction.
The Coast Guard also said that the voyages of vessels operating in the area will continue to be closely monitored.
