Every day, numerous fishing vessels arrive at Tho Quang Fishing Port to unload their catches or depart on new trips. Fishermen are complying with regulations to prevent IUU fishing by keeping vessel monitoring system (VMS) devices connected, maintaining fishing logbooks, and completing the required port procedures.
Nguyen Tien, a fisherman from Tra Cau Ward, said all crew members aboard fishing vessel QNg 98540 are aware of their responsibilities at sea: “We always comply with state regulations and operate only in Vietnamese waters. Before heading out to sea, we report our departure and keep our vessel monitoring system switched on so that the authorities can track our journey. We also have all legal documents. Fishermen have now become much more aware of their responsibility to combat IUU fishing.”
The Da Nang Port and Fishing Harbor Management Board maintains staff around the clock at all ports. It works with the Fisheries Control Representative Office to check vessel and captain information, fishing logbooks, and unloaded catches.
Data is monitored through the National Fisheries Database System (VnFishbase) and the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT). All seafood unloaded at ports is monitored and cross-checked against reported information. Vessels measuring 15 meters or more are also subject to VMS data checks.
Pham Trung Thanh, Head of the Da Nang Port and Fishing Harbor Management Board, said: “When a fishing vessel is found having signs of violations or has not completed the required procedures, the Management Board prepares a case file and refers it to the competent authorities for handling. We do not allow any vessel to leave port unless it meets all the requirements. No suspected violation is overlooked, and all checks are conducted transparently, in accordance with procedures and responsibilities.”
Ngo Van Quang, Head of the Da Nang Sub-department of Seas, Islands and Fisheries, said the city has inspected every vessel to identify those that do not meet operating requirements or are considered at high risk of IUU fishing violations. Owners are being guided through the required paperwork or face fines.
“We are advising the city to establish more fishing stations and concentrated docking points for vessels measuring between 6 and under 15 meters in coastal localities that don’t have fishing ports. These facilities will make it easier for fishermen to report the origin of their catches and quantity. These measures aim to strengthen comprehensive fisheries management and address the European Commission’s recommendations on combating IUU fishing,” said Mr. Quang.
Da Nang now has more than 4,000 registered fishing vessels, with their information updated in the national vessel management system. All its nearly 1,200 offshore fishing vessels have VMS devices and are monitored around the clock.
