I believe the Posse Comitatus act means only the USCG performs fisheries protection inside our territorial waters. I know California has a big problem with trawlers out of Mexico, and Alaska with trawlers from Russia, China, and Japan. Outside this; (assuming it isn't in another countries EEZ) the USN can prosecute any maritime violation by any vessel of any flag; as can other navies. Generally, waters inside 3NM are considered state/county jurisdiction; waters beyond that USCG.
An interesting note; the USCG squadron flying MH-68's (out of NAS Jacksonville) is the only American law enforcement authority with blanket permission to use air-to-ground weaponry. They have a special cannon pod that targets the engine IR signature of drugrunners and fish poachers.
Photo: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/AC_HITRON_MH68_7.jpg
Variety of fishery protection ships:
The Ukranians adapted their last remaining Soviet hand-me-down
Pauk for this role. Trawlers operating illegally from the Caucasian nations and Russia cause a lot of economic harm to Ukraine and Turkey.
Photo: http://static.flickr.com/57/159135081_d92cfcc70c_o.jpg
The Mexican
Uribe class is a purpose-built fisheries/oilfield protection ship. It has a 20mm gun and helipad for a Bo105 helicopter. The Mexicans built six, they cancelled another eight to save $ for the
Knox frigates.
Photo: http://static.flickr.com/50/153442040_041adfd248_o.jpg
One of my fave warship classes; the USN/USCG's
Cherokee. Originally tugs built at the end of WWII; most were sold abroad. They're easy to maintain, cheap to operate, and have superhuman seakeeping qualities. Despite their apparent unsuitability, many navies converted them into fishery cutters armed with anything from 3" to 20mm guns. During the Reagan era, the USCG followed suit and converted some. One of the Argentine
Cherokees was damaged by a RN Sea Skua missile in 1982. As a personal note, when I was in the navy my sub took out the leadship
USCGC Cherokee in a SINKEX. We hit it with a UGM-84 Harpoon that went straight through and detonated on the far side of her hull. If I ever get a scanner I'll post a pic. Anyways here's a
Cherokee class:
Photo: http://static.flickr.com/77/159116111_77ca4d731c_o.jpg
The "Cadillac" of of fisheries protection ships are the ten Indian
Sukanya class. Other than the light armament (one 20mm) they're basically frigates. This is the type of fishery patrol ship that's really needed for Pusser01's scenario, with the speed, range, seakeeping, helo hangar, comms, and sensors to prosecute poachers.
Photo: http://static.flickr.com/50/159116112_1a46b3107e_o.jpg
The Estonian
Admiral Pitka (ex-Danish
Besketteryn) is a similar first-rate fisheries cutter.
Photo: http://static.flickr.com/62/159116113_cb8d5dc5af_o.jpg
And let's not forget the fisheries protection "great-granddaddy"
the Pakistani MSA (coast guard)
Nazim (ex-
USS Wiltsie). Although greatly downgraded from her naval FRAM fit; after the Taiwanese retired
Shen Yang last December; she's the last
Gearing class in service in any manner, anywhere.
Photo:http://www.pakdef.info/pakmilitary/navy/images/nazim.jpg
Excellent topic!!!!!!!
