Suva, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Fisheries stock in Fiji waters is being monitored by the American Coast Guard Cutter Mellon.

The U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel Cutter Mellon which arrived in Fiji on Tuesday has been assisting with Fijis patrolling and border protection.

Fijivillage online news reported Wednesday that the American Coast Guard Cutter Mellon was patrolling for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to also counter threats from drug trafficking.

The Coast Guard with 153 crew on board will leave on Friday.

Coast Guard Cutter Mellon Commanding Officer, Stephen Burdian said they were patrolling the region as part of the United States agreement with Fiji and 41 other countries through the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

This was made possible through the signing of the Shiprider Agreement between the Fijian Government and the U.S..