Combating destructive fishing practices: The effectiveness of skillful community mobilization models.

Since the issuance of Directive No. 01-CT/TU by the Standing Committee of the Ca Mau Provincial Party Committee on strengthening the prevention of destructive fishing activities, the work of preventing and combating the illegal use of electric shock for fishing in the province has seen positive changes.

• Tighten control over illegal fishing activities.
• Two individuals were apprehended for using electric shock devices to illegally harvest aquatic resources.
• Take action against those using electric shock devices to exploit aquatic resources.

Not only has the police and local authorities taken decisive action, but the fight against "electric fishing" has also received strong support and participation from the people. Many effective models and methods have been widely implemented, contributing to gradually pushing back the destructive fishing practices, protecting aquatic resources, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for people in the Ca Mau riverine region.

One of the outstanding achievements is the effective community mobilization model "No individuals using electric shock devices for illegal fishing" which has been implemented in more than 60 commune and ward police stations across the province.

The Tam Giang commune police received a set of electric shock devices voluntarily handed over by a local resident.

In Tam Giang commune, the police force, in coordination with other departments and organizations, has intensified propaganda about the harmful effects of using electric shock devices for fishing; simultaneously, 35 propaganda boards have been installed along canals and areas where violations frequently occur. In addition, the authorities have organized people to sign pledges not to violate the regulations and have encouraged the surrender of homemade electric shock devices. As a result, many people have voluntarily handed over their illegal devices, contributing to the improved effectiveness of preventing and combating destructive fishing practices in the area.

HER The Tam Giang commune police have installed signs prohibiting the use of electric fishing devices along the canals and waterways in the area.

In addition to stepping up propaganda efforts, many localities are proactively preventing violations at the grassroots level. In Chau Thoi commune, the police force has intensified patrols, combining surveillance with raising awareness about the risks of electrical safety hazards and the long-term consequences of destructive fishing practices.

Through persuasion, Mr. Tran Van Thuong, from My Phu Dong hamlet, voluntarily surrendered the electric fishing equipment he had used. Mr. Thuong shared: “Previously, due to difficult living conditions, I used electric fishing equipment to earn extra income without fully understanding the consequences. After being educated and explained by the commune police, I realized that this practice violates the law and depletes natural fish and shrimp resources, so I voluntarily surrendered the equipment and pledged not to repeat the offense.”

Mr. Tran Van Thuong (in the middle) voluntarily handed over his electric shock device and received essential supplies from the Chau Thoi Commune Police.

In addition to promoting awareness and mobilization, the Chau Thoi commune police also provided essential supplies to Mr. Tran Van Thuong's family, who are facing difficulties, contributing to fostering closeness and consensus among the people.

In addition, many localities have flexibly integrated the content of Directive No. 01 of the Provincial Party Committee into the competition for outstanding grassroots security and order protection forces. Through skits and handling real-life situations, the competing teams vividly disseminated information about the harmful effects of using electric shock devices for illegal fishing, contributing to raising awareness of protecting aquatic resources in the community.

The local security forces of Quach Pham commune skillfully integrated the dissemination of Directive No. 01 of the Provincial Party Standing Committee on preventing and combating destructive fishing practices into the 2026 Local Security Force Excellence Competition.

Recognizing that combating and addressing the illegal use of electric shock for fishing is a crucial solution to deter and prevent violations, local police forces have intensified patrols and inspections, proactively detecting and strictly handling violations with the spirit of "no forbidden zones, no exceptions".

Typically, in the early morning of May 14, 2026, during a night patrol to ensure security and order, the Phuoc Long Commune Police discovered two individuals using electric shock devices to illegally exploit aquatic resources on the irrigation canal in Vinh Loc hamlet. At the scene, the authorities seized two composite boats, two sets of electric shock devices, along with many tools used for illegal fishing and 7 kg of various types of fish and shrimp.

Police officers from Phuoc Long commune recorded violations by two individuals using electric shock devices to illegally exploit aquatic resources.

Lieutenant Colonel Quách Văn Giang, Head of Phước Long Commune Police, stated: “Currently, these individuals often operate at night, constantly changing locations and taking advantage of deserted rivers and canals to commit violations. In some cases, they even station lookouts from a distance and use fast-moving vehicles to evade law enforcement. Given this situation, the commune police have intensified patrols throughout the area, proactively monitoring the situation and encouraging the public to report violations so that they can be promptly detected and severely punished.”

In Khanh Lam commune, the police force has also continuously detected and arrested many cases of using electric shock devices to illegally exploit aquatic resources. In April 2026, the unit detected two violations in just two days, arresting two individuals using electric shock devices to catch fish on the river, confiscating many tools and equipment used for illegal fishing, along with more than 20kg of various types of fish and shrimp.

The police in Khanh Lam commune arrested and prosecuted two individuals for using electric shock devices to illegally exploit aquatic resources in the area.

In Bien Bach commune, the police force regularly conducts patrols on key rivers and canals; at the same time, they encourage people to raise their awareness of complying with the law in fishing activities. Through these efforts, the commune police have detected and handled 11 cases involving 11 individuals using electric shock devices for illegal fishing, and have also encouraged people to voluntarily surrender 6 sets of electric shock devices.

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According to statistics, in the first five months of 2026, Ca Mau province detected and handled 90 cases of illegal use and possession of electric shock devices for fishing, involving 97 individuals. Authorities seized hundreds of electric shock devices, batteries, and equipment used in the violations; imposed administrative fines on 88 cases and 92 individuals totaling nearly 360 million VND; and investigated and prosecuted 2 cases with signs of criminal activity.

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From these positive changes, it is clear that when people understand that protecting aquatic resources is also protecting their long-term livelihoods, the fight against overfishing will have a strong ripple effect. Amidst the rivers and waterways, the unity of the government, the police force, and the people is contributing daily to preserving the greenness of the ecological environment and aquatic resources for future generations.

Brother Huu

Source: https://baocamau.vn/chong-khai-thac-thuy-san-tan-diet-hieu-qua-mo-hinh-dan-van-kheo-a129266.html