THE Solomon Islands’ Shiprider Agreement signed with the United States signals its intent to tighten control over its vast waters and crack down on illegal fishing and other sea-borne crime. This will boost surveillance across the Solomon Islands’ scattered archipelago, where monitoring an expansive exclusive economic zone has long strained limited resources. A government statement said the arrangement would allow authorised Solomon Islands officers to embark on US vessels and carry out maritime surveillance and enforcement operations under Solomon Islands law and agreed procedures. “Under this arrangement, Solomon Islands officers will exercise their authority in accordance with Solomon Islands law and agreed operational procedures, particularly in matters within national jurisdiction,” the statement said. For Solomon Islands, where fishing is both an economic mainstay and a key source of food security, the agreement aims to protect marine resources under pressure from illegal operators in the region.