Join the fishermen in venturing out to sea and maintaining their livelihoods.

Long Dat district has a large number of operating fishing vessels and a wide fishing ground within the province. The district has been actively promoting awareness and working with fishermen to comply with the law, especially in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Border guards guide people through the procedures for departing from the port.

Diverse methods of propaganda

One notable propaganda activity was the mock trial held in Phuoc Hai town. The trial simulated a case of "obstructing or disrupting the operation of electronic devices," helping fishermen understand the illegal acts and their legal consequences. This was a situation that had previously occurred in the district and had been tried by the Provincial People's Court in a mobile court session.

Attending the mock trial, Mr. Tran Van Loi, a fisherman in the town, said that the simulated scenario vividly reflected criminal acts, prohibited legal regulations, and applicable penalties. The trial also helped residents of Phuoc Hai town, especially fishing boat owners, captains, and fishermen involved in offshore fishing, to raise awareness and responsibility regarding the exploitation of marine resources in accordance with the law, as well as to understand prohibited acts and prevent similar incidents from occurring.

In Phuoc Hoi commune, the "Morning Coffee with Fishermen" program is organized regularly by the commune People's Committee on the third Saturday of each month. This helps commune and district leaders understand the difficulties faced by fishermen, as well as implement important content regarding the Vietnamese Law of the Sea, regulations related to the management and exploitation of marine resources, combating illegal fishing, and responding to accidents at sea.

Mr. Tran Duc Huy, from Phuoc Hoi commune, said that through the program, fishermen's concerns about regulations related to seafood exploitation and combating illegal fishing were promptly addressed by local leaders. Therefore, fishermen feel more secure when venturing out to sea.

Over the past period, Long Dat district has coordinated with various agencies and units to organize numerous propaganda programs aimed at raising legal awareness among fishermen. These activities focused on agreements signed by Vietnam regarding fishing at sea, the Fisheries Law, regulations on combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, the installation of vessel tracking devices, the provision of lifebuoys, navigation lights, and other maritime safety equipment.

The selection of appropriate content and the use of easily understandable communication methods have led to widespread public participation in legal education and dissemination, especially among fishermen. Legal knowledge is gradually permeating the consciousness and actions of fishermen, preventing them from engaging in illegal activities.

Strengthen control over fishing vessels.

According to the report, as of early June 2025, Long Dat district had 3,302 vessels, of which 1,456 were over 15 meters long operating in offshore areas, while the rest were fishing vessels operating in inshore and coastal areas. A review revealed that, to date, 554 fishing vessels over 6 meters in the district do not meet the operating requirements, and 143 fishing vessels have not updated their Citizen Identification Cards (CCCD) and phone numbers. Since the beginning of the year, the District People's Committee has fined one captain for operating a fishing vessel in an unauthorized fishing area, with a total fine of 25 million VND and a suspension of the captain's certificate for 4 months and 15 days.

In addition, before departure, authorities organized for 100% of fishing vessels over 15 meters to sign a commitment to strictly abide by the law while operating at sea; not to operate in foreign waters for illegal fishing; not to violate regulations on combating illegal fishing; and to maintain 24/7 monitoring and control of vessels entering and leaving Loc An Port. Simultaneously, they coordinated with the People's Committees of communes and towns, and the Port Management Board to strengthen management, review, and handling of fishing vessels anchoring and unloading seafood at unauthorized docks and berths in the area. Border guards also resolutely refused to process departure procedures for vessels that did not have all the required documents and strictly dealt with violations by vessels and captains.

According to Mr. Hong Nhu Vang, Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee, organizing dialogues and disseminating information between functional agencies and fishermen has helped resolve practical issues such as the quality of vessel tracking equipment, fuel support policies, regulations on modifying fishing vessels, and fishing in border areas.

“In the coming time, in order to overcome existing shortcomings in combating IUU fishing, the district will continue to strengthen propaganda to ensure that people are aware of and comply with the law; dismantle fishing vessels that do not require registration or inspection to participate in activities according to regulations; review, verify, and clarify information on each case of fishing vessels that do not meet the operating conditions within the managed area; update the information of the Citizen Identification Card and phone number of fishing vessel owners to identify fishing vessels on the national population database and perform electronic authentication…”, Mr. Vang emphasized.

Text and photos: SONG BINH

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202506/cung-ngu-dan-vuon-khoi-bam-bien-1045072/