Stay close to fishing boats, combat IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

Hon Dat commune has nearly 300 fishing vessels. Maintaining peace at sea, preserving the fishing industry, and securing export markets amidst stricter controls on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant challenge for the officers and soldiers of Linh Huynh Border Guard Post. Major Phan Tan Phat, Deputy Political Officer of Linh Huynh Border Guard Post, personally conducts these visits to the vessels. According to Major Phat, the unit conducts 3-8 visits per month to inspect equipment and remind fishermen of common violations. On shore, the unit organizes small group awareness campaigns and visits individual households to engage in close conversations with fishermen.

Officers from Linh Huynh Border Guard Station patrol and monitor the sea, guiding fishermen to comply with regulations against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. Photo: BICH THUY

Among the hundreds of households whose awareness changed after the campaign, Mr. Vo Ngoc Thu, residing in Vam Bien hamlet, is a prime example. Mr. Thu recounted: “Before, I thought that fishing during the right season was enough, without paying attention to foreign waters. When the officers came down to the boat and showed me how to turn on the equipment, I realized that compliance wasn't just about compliance, but about protecting myself and my crew. Since understanding the regulations, my boat has always maintained a stable VMS signal.” Mr. Tran Huu Thanh, residing in Linh Huynh hamlet, added: “I go to sea a lot, and I rarely listen to a whole large-scale awareness campaign. The officers came directly to the boat and explained each point clearly, so I immediately understood the permitted fishing areas and how to turn on the VMS equipment at the right time.”

According to Lieutenant Colonel Bui Khac Duong, Commander of Linh Huynh Border Guard Station, the process of educating fishermen is not easy. Fishermen spend long days at sea, and their ability to understand regulations varies. If too much information is presented at once, it becomes difficult for them to remember, but if nothing is said, they easily confuse the new regulations. Therefore, the unit proactively breaks down the content into smaller parts, compiles materials suitable for each target group, and organizes regular training to improve the skills and communication abilities of its officers. This ensures that legal information is concise, easy to understand, easy to remember, and easy to implement.

Officers at Linh Huynh Border Control Station check documents and guide fishermen through departure procedures. Photo: BICH THUY

Thanks to effective community mobilization at the right time, from January 1st to November 30th, 2025, Hon Dat commune will have no more cases of IUU fishing; 98% of vessels maintain VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System) on as required. Encouragingly, many vessels that were previously warned now voluntarily contact authorities to have their signals checked before each trip out to sea.

According to Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, the Linh Huynh Border Guard Station's mass mobilization efforts are effective, addressing the needs of the local people at the right time. When fishermen understand and voluntarily comply, management becomes easier and more efficient. This is a highly practical model of "skillful mass mobilization," contributing to the goal of lifting the "yellow card" and protecting the sustainable livelihoods of fishermen.

Short conversations on the ship's deck and persistent guidance sessions at individual households are creating a noticeable transformation in the Linh Huynh coastal area, where "effective community mobilization" is demonstrated through actions, enthusiasm, and daily companionship with the people.

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