Cutter interacts with Bering fisheries during patrol

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bertholf carried out fisheries enforcement and assistance during a 130-day deployment patrolling the Bering Sea.

The 418-foot Bertholf conducted 24 boardings of commercial fishing vessels, and responded to a disabled fishing vessel 80 nautical miles northeast of Dutch Harbor, a Coast Guard press release said.

"The fishing vessel Seabrooke had lost all electrical power, including navigation equipment and steering as a significant storm was approaching their position," the press release said. "Bertholf arrived on scene and placed the disabled vessel in tow using a bridle that Bertholf's crew handcrafted. Bertholf was relieved of the tow by commercial salvage vessel Makushin Bay who towed the disabled vessel safely into port at Akutan."

Two foreign-flagged trampers were boarded, the Coast Guard said.

The Bertholf also patrolled along the maritime boundary line between the United States and Russia.

Violations reported at Canadian border

NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement, in a report to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, relates the following:

In June, enforcement officers conducted multiple vessel patrols along the Canadian border in Southeast Alaska. The patrols concentrated on foreign and domestic recreational and commercial fishing vessels adjacent to and within disputed zones. Twenty vessels were boarded throughout the week, and 10 violations were discovered. Multiple violations were found on foreign and domestic vessels, including illegal harvest in U.S. waters.