Western Hemisphere 5
MID#3972
Dispute Number: 3972
Date(s): July 29, 1991
Participants: 2 United States of America/20 Canada
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The US Coast Guard seized one Canadian fishing vessel and boarded
another.
MID#4183
Dispute Number: 4183
Date(s): May 25, 1997 to May 28, 1997
Participants: 20 Canada/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On May 25, 1997, the Canadian coast guard seized an American salmon
trawler off the coast of British Columbia. This seizure was the third one in two days.
The Canadians seized the American ships to put out a message that they were serious
about enforcing fishing regulations in its coastal waters. Canada began seizing Ameri-
can fishing boats in the Pacific Northwest after salmon quota negotiations between the
two states broke down. Canada had repeatedly charged the United States with over-
fishing the area, causing rapid declines in stock; Canada also asked the United States
to leave their torpedo testing based off the coast of Vancouver Island. On May 26, the
Canadians seized three more ships and towed them to Vancouver Island for failing to
properly identify themselves to Canadian officials in Canadian waters, an offense that
usually did not carry such a severe penalty. On May 27, the crews of the American
ships were released pending an appearance by their captains in court and the paying
of a possible fine. On May 28, the United States appealed to the Canadian government
to resume the talks on the salmon quota. This appeased the Canadian government and
all four of the American boats were released after their captains appeared in Canadian
court and paid nominal fines.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Released. Settlement changed from
Imposed.
2 United States of America/40 Cuba
MID#1665
Dispute Number: 1665
Date(s): January 6, 1921
Participants: 2 United States of America/40 Cuba
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None