LISTEN

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.

Have you listened to this article via the audio player above?

If so, send us your feedback around what we can do to improve this feature or further develop it. If not, check it out and let us know what you think via email or on social media.

Samuel Hill is the former associate editor for National Fisherman. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine where he got his start in journalism at the campus’ newspaper, the Free Press. He has also written for the Bangor Daily News, the Outline, Motherboard and other publications about technology and culture.

Join the Conversation