The Icelandic Coast Guard has reported increased foreign fisheries monitoring activity in recent days after five Russian fishing vessels were observed operating just outside Iceland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessels were detected during routine surveillance carried out from the Coast Guard’s operations centre in Skógarhlíð, Reykjavík.
According to the Coast Guard, a total of 295 vessels were being tracked through its monitoring systems at the time, including ships operating both within Icelandic waters and in nearby areas. The presence of the five Russian vessels attracted particular attention, as fishing activity by Russian vessels near Iceland’s eastern maritime boundaries has historically been less common compared to activity along the Reykjanes Ridge.
Comprehensive Maritime Surveillance with Trackwell´s software
The Icelandic Coast Guard conducts maritime surveillance using a combination of satellite and AIS-based monitoring and physical patrol assets. Vessel movements are tracked via the Trackwell FiMS particular the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) used by the Coast guard allowing their operators to follow vessel positions and activity in near real time across all of Iceland’s maritime areas. The physical assets include the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing aircraft TF-SIF, patrol vessels Þór and Freyja, helicopters and on-site inspections at sea.
Coast Guard patrol vessels have recently been active off Iceland’s eastern coast, including boarding foreign fishing vessels operating legally within Icelandic waters. Authorities have confirmed that monitoring efforts will continue to ensure compliance with maritime boundaries and fisheries regulations.
Activity Confirmed Outside Icelandic Jurisdiction
Further clarification from the Coast Guard confirmed that the observed Russian vessels were operating within Faroese waters, and at a safe distance from the FARICE-1 subsea communications cable, which connects Iceland to international data networks.
Officials emphasized that there is no indication that the vessels were engaged in activities other than fishing. Analysis by the Coast Guard, supported by coordination with neighboring authorities, indicates that the vessels were on active trawling routes consistent with normal fishing operations.
Regional Awareness and Ongoing Monitoring
The incident highlights the importance of continuous situational awareness in Iceland’s surrounding maritime regions. According to the Coast Guard, recent trends show increased interest from foreign fishing fleets near Icelandic EEZ boundaries, making ongoing foreign fisheries monitoring critical.
“We want to know who is in our backyard,” said Ásgeir Erlendsson, Communications Director of the Icelandic Coast Guard, underscoring the importance of maintaining awareness through satellite monitoring, patrol vessels, and aerial surveillance.
The Coast Guard has stated that it will continue to closely monitor vessel movements near Iceland’s maritime boundaries and coordinate with international partners as part of its regular maritime security and fisheries oversight responsibilities.
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