ALCOAST 246/25 - MAY 2025 2024 CAPTAIN QUENTIN R. WALSH EXCELLENCE IN LIVING MARINE RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT AWARD WINNER

R 291919Z MAY 25 MID120001975962U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 246/25
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: 2024 CAPTAIN QUENTIN R. WALSH EXCELLENCE IN LIVING MARINE
RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT AWARD WINNER
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 141217Z FEB 25/ALCOAST 065/25
1. I am pleased to announce and congratulate MK2 Trevor Abbo
(Operational) of CGC HAWK and Lieutenant Brian Maffucci of Coast
Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam (Staff/Training) as the
recipients of the 2024 Captain Quentin R. Walsh Excellence in Living
Marine Resources Enforcement Award.
2. While serving aboard CGC HAWK, MK2 Abbo executed 57 LMR boardings
and identified 25 fishery violations. His efforts were instrumental
during the boarding of a recreational angler, leading to the
discovery of 13 illegally possessed out-of-season red snapper, and
an estimated $1,100 in fines. During a routine boarding, he
discovered the fishing vessel was rigged to dewater its bilges and
was actively discharging oil overboard. Multiple other safety
violations were identified, creating a significantly unsafe
condition. MK2 Abbo's investigative work and clear articulation led
to the termination of the vessel's operation and a fine of $3,000.
MK2 Abbo's collaboration with local law enforcement led to two
significant state violations for vessels operating without a permit
and an improperly configured bycatch reduction device. Finally, MK2
Abbo, conducted vigorous research into the local shrimp fleet which
allowed CGC HAWK to prioritize boarding targets, increasing
violations found by 43% from the previous year.
3. LT Maffucci is responsible for executing strategic initiatives
combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF)
across a 1.9 million square nautical mile area of responsibility.
He was the driving force behind Coast Guard Forces/Sector Guam's
(FM/SG) operations to promote security and economic prosperity in
the Oceania region. During a multi-faceted international support
mission, a C-130 from Air Station Barbers Point sighted over 100
Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in Palauan waters. Utilizing his
designation as a Foreign Disclosure Representative, he authorized
the release of vital location data to the Palauan Government,
greatly bolstering maritime domain awareness. During a visit by the
Korean Coast Guard, he provided a presentation on strategic
fisheries concerns to the over 75 cadets where he highlighted IUUF
trends, U.S. national strategies on combatting IUUF and bilateral
agreements. After the visit, he conducted a video interview on the
value of international partnerships and the importance of global
fish stocks, which is used as training material for the Korean Coast
Guard. LT Maffucci was selected as one of two USCG representative to
the Mariana Trench Monument Advisory Council, where he voted on key
positions within the council and aided the creation of the Monument
Management Plan.
4. The runners-up for this award go to BM2 Dylon O'Donnell
(Operational) of CGC Oliver Berry and IS2 Blake Mathis
(Staff/Training) of Sector Corpus Christi. Thank you for your great
work and incredible contribution to this important mission.
5. Bravo Zulu to all the nominees and the many Coast Guard members
who perform this important mission day in and day out. The Coast
Guard is increasingly reliant on the stellar efforts of members in
the face of growing mission demands and limited resourcing. Your
hard work and dedication level the playing field in the $212 billion
commercial and recreational fishing industry, and helps advance
efforts to combat IUUF globally.
6. Additional information about the award, including the winner's
award nomination, is available on the COMDT (CG-MLE-4) SharePoint:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cgmle/cgmle4/SitePages/Captain-
Quentin-R.-Walsh-Excellence-in-Living-Marine-Resources-Enforcement-
Award.aspx?ga=1

7. COMDT (CG-MLE-4) POC: LT Trevor Heath at (202) 372-2181 or
Trevor.A.Heath@uscg.mil.
8. RDML A. A. Chamie, Assistant Commandant for Operations
Integration and Response Policy (CG-3/5R), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.