(VOVWORLD) - Coastal localities across the country are stepping up efforts in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Vietnam is working to build a sustainable fisheries sector via tighter management, origin tracing, and restructuring fisheries.
 Fishing boats at Tho Quang fishing port in Da Nang city (photo: VOV) |
Tho Quang fishing port in Da Nang city does not allow any fishing vessel that has turned off its Vessel Monitoring System for 10 hours or more to enter the port. And if a single link in the traceability documentation – fishing grounds, net hauls, and fishing coordinates – is missing, the entire catch is placed on hold.
Nguyen Lai, head of the Management Board of Tho Quang fishing port, said: “Following the directives of the central government and Da Nang city on preventing IUU fishing, the management board has designated specific areas within the anchorage for fishing vessels for easier monitoring. A coordinated effort is being made to handle violations and control output.”
 Nguyen Lai, head of the Management Board of Tho Quang fishing port (photo: lhh.danang.gov.vn) |
In Quang Ngai province, on the front line of combatting IUU fishing, 100% of fishing vessels are registered and regularly updated in the national database. Violating foreign waters is dealt with strictly.
Do Tam Hien, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ngai provincial People’s Committee, said: “If uncertified vessels are allowed to leave the port because of lax management, the person in charge must be held accountable. Leaders of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Sub-Department of Fisheries, and the Border Guards must take their responsibility seriously. Any unit that fails to fulfill its duties will be subject to administrative discipline as advised by the Provincial People’s Committee Office, in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs and the provincial Inspectorate.”
 The soldiers visit every fishing boat to inform fishermen about fishing regulations. (photo: VOV) |
To raise awareness and increase compliance among fishermen, vessel owners, and coastal communities, Quang Ngai province has stepped up communications, guidance, and training on IUU prevention.
Pham Van Nhan, Vice Chairman of the Fisheries Union of An Phu commune, said: “We regularly visit households to disseminate information and encourage fishermen to comply with required procedures and promise not to violate foreign waters. The fishing logbook serves as a passport for Vietnamese seafood.”
100% of fishing vessels nationwide have been registered and updated in the national fisheries database, VNFishbase, which is connected with the vessel monitoring system of the Ministry of National Defense and the VNeID system of the Ministry of Public Security.
Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang said: “By vigorously implementing the plan to stop IUU fishing, localities have made visible progress. In terms of legal revisions, we have fully implemented and met EC recommendations. We have reviewed and reconciled vessel data management, and traceability, law enforcement, and administrative violation handling have been carried out in accordance with regulations.”