Coast Guard agencies from nations signed a joint statement last Friday, officially establishing the Arctic Coast Guard Forum.

The organization is meant to foster safe and environmentally friendly maritime activities in the Arctic. Membership includes Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the United States.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft joins leaders representing all eight coast guard agencies of the Arctic nations. USCG photo.“The Arctic is crucial to our shared security, and this declaration underscores our commitment to cooperating with our international partners as we navigate this challenging and changing region,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.

“Today’s historic Arctic Coast Guard Forum represents a critical step forward in our collective efforts to promote safety, security and environmentally-responsible maritime activity in the Arctic,” said U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft. “As the ocean becomes more accessible to human activity, all Arctic nations have committed to enhancing maritime cooperation in this remote and challenging environment.” 

The statement was signed in late October at the United States Coast Guard Academy. The organization will meet again in the spring.