Digital technology in fishing vessel monitoring: Key to preventing IUU fishing

From vessel monitoring devices (VMS), electronic logbook software to national fisheries databases, digital technology is becoming an "extension" to help Vietnam control fishing vessels, trace the origin of aquatic products and prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The synchronized digitalization from the sea to fishing ports demonstrates the European Commission's (EC) determination to remove the "yellow card", while paving the way for a modern, transparent and sustainable fisheries industry.

“Digitalization” on every voyage

Mr. Le Cong Hung (residing in Phuoc Thang ward, Ho Chi Minh City), has a 350 CV fishing boat specializing in catching anchovies. Coming from Nghe An to Vung Tau to start a business nearly 30 years ago, Mr. Hung and 47 members of the same profession established the Hai Dang Anchovy Association in 2016. Mr. Hung said that at first, the technology was low, so the catch was only about 200 tons/year. After investing in machinery and improving exploitation technology, the efficiency increased by an average of 10-15% per year.

Technicians of Nha Trang Coastal Information Station check the journey monitoring equipment on fishing boats. (Photo: Khanh Hoa Newspaper)

Up to now, his ship is fully equipped with positioning devices, fish finders, radar, radio communication, net pulling systems and semi-automatic hydraulic steering. In 2024, he invested 1.65 billion VND to replace the old fish finder with a high-tech fish camera, which can detect fish flows within a radius of more than 1 km, at a depth of 15-17 m. Thanks to that, the output in 2024 reached more than 800 tons, an increase of more than 70% compared to 2023. With an average selling price of 10,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, he earned a profit of more than 2 billion VND.

"Technology helps save fuel, accurately determine fishing routes, reduce risks at sea, and most importantly, gives us peace of mind because the ship is always monitored, without worrying about violating foreign waters," said Mr. Hung.

Also a person attached to the sea profession, Mr. Dong Xuan Tung, captain of ship QNg 94884 TS (Tra Cau ward, Quang Ngai ), said that he was one of the first fishermen to install VMS journey monitoring equipment when the State deployed it in 2019.

“This device has many modern features, helping to locate the ship, communicate long distances, and signal when there is an accident. We can contact our families or call the shore station when we need rescue support. Thanks to that, we are more confident when going out to sea,” said Mr. Tung.

According to the authorities, the VMS system not only helps manage fishing vessel journeys, but also allows the authorities to monitor and promptly warn vessels operating near foreign maritime boundaries, preventing violations. In addition, through the VMS device, the management agency can also send fishing ground forecasts, weather warnings, storm avoidance instructions, as well as quickly determine the location of vessels when rescue is needed - a big step forward in management and ensuring safety for fishermen.

From smart fishing ports to electronic logbooks

Not only at sea, the digital transformation process is also being strongly implemented at fishing ports. The Border Guard Command has developed Plan No. 4737/KH-BDBP dated August 29, 2025 on piloting surveillance cameras at 3 model fishing ports. Thanks to close coordination with the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) and related localities, to date, the installation of 22/22 surveillance cameras has been completed, of which, at Lach Bang port, Thanh Hoa province, 7 cameras; Tho Quang port, Da Nang, 9 cameras; Song Doc port, Ca Mau, 6 cameras).

Major Dang Van Dieu, Deputy Head of Song Doc Border Guard Station, Ca Mau Provincial Border Guard, said that the cameras have the function of monitoring fishing vessels, fishermen entering and leaving fishing ports and some other functions. The installation of surveillance cameras has helped manage fishing vessels more conveniently and effectively, and can quickly retrieve data and information about fishing vessels, helping to improve the ability to detect IUU fishing activities.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Ba, Head of the Management Board of Hon Ro Fishing Port and South Central Seafood Market, since March 2024, Hon Ro Port (Nam Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province) has applied the electronic seafood traceability software system (eCDT) and is promoting positive results. Up to now, 100% of fishing vessel owners and captains have installed the eCDT app, confirming the volume of seafood unloaded through the port, and tracing the origin of exported seafood that businesses purchase through the port. At the fishing port, the management board monitors the volume of seafood unloaded by fishing vessels, compares it with the electronic fishing log and the voyage monitoring system, and if they match, the quantity will be saved to the national fisheries system and confirm the unloading volume for fishing vessel owners. When purchasing seafood from fishing vessels unloading through the port, businesses will have their origin confirmed when needed.

"At first, people were not familiar with using the app to declare, so they were confused. However, the fishing port officers, border guards and local authorities guided them to install the app, enter information, and after a few steps, the fishermen successfully installed it and made declarations on the app. This software not only helps fishermen declare their entry and exit from the port quickly, conveniently and accurately, but also overcomes the error of recording records for ship owners with many fishing vessels," Mr. Ba added.

From “digital” ships at sea to smart management systems at fishing ports, technology is becoming the “key” to helping Vietnam manage fisheries transparently, effectively and sustainably.

At the 16th meeting of the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing on October 7, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested the Ministry of National Defense to preside over and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Military Industry-Telecoms Group (Viettel), and the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) to deploy the installation of VMS equipment, inspect and share journey monitoring data, and closely monitor the activities of fishing vessels. The Navy, Border Guard, Fisheries Surveillance, and Coast Guard forces coordinate, patrol, and control to prevent fishing vessels from violating IUU.

Along with that, putting into use the application for managing fishing vessels and fishermen entering and leaving ports on the VNeID platform ensures convenience for fishermen and effective and efficient management of fishing vessels and fishermen, handling of administrative violations...

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/cong-nghe-so-trong-giam-sat-tau-ca-chia-khoa-ngan-chan-khai-thac-iuu-217308.html