Commune and ward chairmen criticized for not being resolute in fighting IUU fishing

On October 26, a source confirmed that Mr. Ta Anh Tuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Dak Lak province, had issued an official dispatch to strengthen direction and resolutely implement urgent tasks to combat IUU fishing (illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing), strictly implementing the Prime Minister's conclusion.

Dak Lak province is a locality with a high rate of unlicensed fishing vessels with 670/2,798 vessels (23.95%). These fishing vessels are concentrated in some localities such as Hoa Hiep ward with 223 vessels, Xuan Dai ward with 159 vessels, Hoa Xuan commune with 31 vessels, Tuy Hoa ward with 21 vessels, Phu Yen ward with 45 vessels...

According to the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee, although the number of unlicensed vessels has decreased, Hoa Hiep Ward, Hoa Xuan Commune and Xuan Dai Commune are the localities with a high rate of unlicensed vessels, showing that the direction and management are not resolute and have not created clear changes. Therefore, all three localities were severely criticized by the Dak Lak Provincial leaders on October 15.

Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee stated that last week, Phu Yen ward was the only locality to record an increase in the number of unlicensed fishing vessels (an increase of 1 vessel), reflecting that the inspection and supervision of the fleet was not strict and showed signs of lax management. The Chairman of Phu Yen Ward People's Committee was severely criticized by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Dak Lak province requested the leaders of Phu Yen ward to report the cause of the increase in unlicensed vessels and commit to thoroughly handling the situation of fishing vessels that do not meet operating conditions before October 30.

The Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee requested all coastal communes and wards of the province to mobilize the entire political system at the grassroots level to grasp the situation, monitor and promptly prevent cases of fishing boats showing signs of violating foreign waters.

Commune and ward leaders are required to directly direct and organize a comprehensive review of the fleet in the area, "going to every alley, knocking on every door", to guide and support fishermen to complete all required documents, registration procedures, inspection, and licensing of operations according to regulations. Strive to have 100% of qualified fishing vessels licensed, completed before October 30.

At the same time, Dak Lak province leaders requested localities to seal 100% of unqualified ships, absolutely not leave fishing gear or equipment on board, and prevent illegal sailing.

The Chairmen of the People’s Committees of coastal communes and wards are directly responsible for the results of the fight against IUU fishing in their localities. In case of serious violations, the leaders of Dak Lak province will consider handling the responsibility of the head without having to go through the criticism or review step.

The Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee assigned the Department of Home Affairs to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Environment to fully review the records, documents, and inspection contents, along with the form of self-discipline of the Chairmen of the People's Committees of communes and wards to objectively and comprehensively assess the level of violations and personal responsibilities.

On that basis, the Department of Home Affairs advised the Provincial People's Committee to organize a meeting to review responsibilities and propose disciplinary measures for violations, ensuring compliance with legal regulations on disciplining cadres and civil servants.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired many meetings of the National Steering Committee on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The Prime Minister directed to resolutely remove the "yellow card" IUU warning that the European Commission (EC) issued to Vietnamese seafood in 2025 and set a target of ending IUU fishing violations by November 15, because this is related to the country's honor and the people's interests.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/chu-tich-xa-phuong-bi-phe-binh-do-chua-quyet-liet-chong-khai-thac-iuu-20251026162004665.htm