Ho Chi Minh City implements the "Breakfasts with fishermen" initiative to promote fisheries law compliance. (Photo: Luu Son/VOV HCMC)

The city has more than 4,700 fishing vessels. 60% of those measure 15 meters or longer and mainly operate offshore.

Strong coordination across agencies has achieved major progress. All vessels entering and leaving local ports now comply with electronic seafood traceability requirements, and more than 98% have installed vessel monitoring systems.

Border guards talk with fishermen ahead of their fishing trips. (Photo: Luu Son/VOV HCMC)

“We are carrying out a full review of vessels that fail to meet regulations, especially those without fishing licences, so they can be brought under proper control," Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment, said. "Border Guard forces have been told to step up inspections and checks, and to make sure unqualified vessels are not allowed to operate at sea.”

Monitoring has been tightened in coastal areas, said Nguyen Minh Tam, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Long Hai commune.

"Our work centers on two key areas. First is communication, to raise awareness among fishermen. Second is inspection, supervision, and management, particularly of ineligible vessels. We also work closely with ports to control the origin of seafood landed, ensuring it meets IUU regulations," he elaborated. 

A port official guides a vessel owner on how to use electronic fishing logbooks to manage catch data. (Photo: Luu Son/VOV HCMC)