THE HAGUE – The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard is increasing its engagement with Curaçao's fishing community as part of a broader community policing strategy aimed at strengthening maritime security and improving information sharing.
The initiative was highlighted in answers provided by Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius to questions from the Dutch Parliament regarding the Coast Guard's 2026 plans.
According to the minister, local fishermen play an important role within the Coast Guard's community policing approach. The strategy focuses on building trust and maintaining communication with people who regularly operate within the maritime domain, including fishermen, marina operators and other users of Caribbean waters.
The Coast Guard says these relationships help improve situational awareness and contribute to a better understanding of activities taking place at sea.
As part of the effort, Coast Guard personnel may interact with fishermen during routine patrols and other maritime operations. Authorities stress that the goal is to foster cooperation and strengthen ties with maritime communities rather than increase enforcement.
The minister also clarified that the Coast Guard's "Safety at Sea" campaign, which promotes maritime safety awareness, has not resulted in additional regulations or inspections for fishermen.
Instead, the campaign focuses on educating seafarers about safety practices and encouraging greater awareness of risks at sea.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that effective maritime security depends not only on patrol vessels and aircraft, but also on strong partnerships with the communities that spend the most time on Caribbean waters.