Ca Mau is ready to work with the EC inspection team.

From March 10-19, the European Commission (EC) inspection team conducted its 5th inspection in Vietnam on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Ca Mau province has fully prepared its work plan and is determined to join the rest of the country in lifting the IUU "yellow card" warning as soon as possible.

• Vigorous action against IUU fishing in the "final stretch" phase.
• Removing the IUU "yellow card" is a task linked to national honor.
• Prime Minister : We must lift the IUU "yellow card" and develop a sustainable and responsible fisheries sector.

According to the plan, from March 10-14, the EC inspection team will conduct on-site inspections at local fisheries management agencies, fishing ports, and fishing vessel tracking departments. At the same time, the team will also work with several seafood processing and export businesses and designated fishing ports implementing the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA).

Ca Mau Border Guard forces patrol and control against IUU fishing at Gach Roc estuary, Phan Ngoc Hien commune.

From March 16-17, the delegation continued its technical work at the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection with relevant agencies on five groups of issues: legal framework; fleet management; monitoring, control, and supervision of fishing vessels; traceability of harvested seafood; and law enforcement and handling of violations. On the morning of March 18, the delegation will discuss preliminary conclusions at the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection. On March 19, the delegation will inform the leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the preliminary inspection results and discuss related issues with government leaders.

Along with other localities nationwide, Ca Mau province has now finalized a detailed plan to welcome and work with the EC inspection team. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested that departments, agencies, and the governments of coastal communes and wards enhance their sense of responsibility, ensure transparency in the working process, and absolutely avoid complacency or negligence.

The province also proactively assigned a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals to directly explain and provide factual information and data to the inspection team. The province's overall documentation and reports were fully prepared, closely adhering to the five groups of recommendations from the EC.

Gach Roc Border Guard Station is stepping up inspections and controls of fishing activities ahead of an inspection by the European Commission (EC).

For localities with designated fishing ports including Phan Ngoc Hien, Song Doc, and Ganh Hao, the control work has been completed. Functional units are focusing on reviewing fishing logs, vessel monitoring system (VMS) data, and procedures for verifying and certifying the origin of harvested seafood, ready to serve the inspection team's activities.

In addition, logistical, security, and safety arrangements were meticulously prepared to facilitate the activities of the EC Inspection Team during their time working in the locality.

The Ca Mau province considers welcoming the 5th inspection team not only as an inspection but also as an opportunity to affirm the locality's efforts in building a responsible, sustainable, and internationally integrated fisheries sector. With thorough preparation, Ca Mau hopes to contribute positively to the country's overall efforts to soon lift the EC's "yellow card" warning against Vietnam's fisheries sector.

Hong Nghi - Minh Luan

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ca-mau-san-ready-to-work-with-the-ec-inspection-team-a126828.html