Dak Lak: Tighten management of fishing vessels, strictly handle responsibilities of leaders to combat IUU fishing

The People's Committee of Dak Lak province has just issued an official dispatch requesting localities and relevant units to strengthen the implementation of urgent tasks in the prevention and combat of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in order to seriously implement the Prime Minister's direction.

According to reports from relevant authorities, inspection and monitoring of fishing activities in coastal localities of the province have shown some positive changes over the past week. However, progress in addressing existing problems remains slow, especially the high number of unlicensed fishing vessels. Currently, 670 out of 2,798 fishing vessels in the province are unlicensed, accounting for 23.95%, mainly concentrated in coastal wards and communes.

While localities like Hoa Hiep, Hoa Xuan, and Xuan Dai have made efforts to reduce the number of unlicensed vessels, Phu Yen ward was the only locality last week to record an increase in the number of fishing vessels that did not meet the operating requirements. This situation shows that management, inspection, and supervision at the local level are still lacking in strictness and show signs of laxity.

Officers and soldiers of the Tuy Hoa Border Guard Station are educating fishermen in the Dong Tac port area about how to prevent and avoid Typhoon No. 12. Photo: Ngoc Lan

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Dak Lak province has severely criticized the Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Yen ward, demanding a report on the causes and a commitment to completely resolve the issue of unlicensed fishing vessels, to be completed before October 30, 2025. At the same time, the Chairman of the province requested that coastal communes and wards urgently review their entire fishing fleet, mobilize the local political system to monitor and seal unqualified vessels, and absolutely prevent illegal fishing. The Chairman of the local People's Committee will be held directly responsible; if serious violations occur, the head of the local People's Committee will be held accountable without the need for reprimand or review.

The Provincial People's Committee has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs, to advise on handling the responsibility of the Chairmen of the People's Committees of communes and wards where unlicensed fishing vessels are still operating, ensuring that the review and disciplinary action are conducted seriously, in accordance with regulations, and without delay. Simultaneously, the Department will take the lead in coordinating with the Provincial Police, Border Guard, and other relevant units to definitively resolve the issue of unregistered and unlicensed fishing vessels before October 30, 2025.

Specifically, the Department of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with strengthening control over the origin of seafood at ports, ensuring that 100% of export documents to the EU are fully checked, and simultaneously reviewing and proposing policies to support fishermen in transitioning to other occupations, reducing fishing pressure, and aiming for sustainable livelihood development, to be completed before November 14, 2025.

Residents of Hoa Hiep ward sign a pledge to work together to prevent fishing vessels from violating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing regulations. Photo: Ngoc Lan

The provincial Border Guard is tasked with strictly controlling 100% of fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; organizing patrols in key areas; and coordinating with the agricultural sector to strictly handle vessels violating foreign waters. The provincial police are responsible for detecting, investigating, and handling IUU violations, directing local forces to strengthen surveillance in their areas, prevent re-offending, and coordinate inspections and handling of vessels that intentionally disconnect their vessel tracking systems (VMS) or engage in illegal fishing.

In addition, the Department of Internal Affairs is tasked with coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and Environment to review the files, assess the responsibilities and self-disciplinary actions of the Chairmen of the People's Committees of Hoa Xuan, Xuan Dai, and Hoa Hiep communes, and advise the Provincial People's Committee to hold a review meeting and propose appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.

To ensure objectivity, the Provincial Inspectorate will take the lead in coordinating with relevant departments and agencies to conduct unannounced inspections of IUU fishing prevention and control efforts in localities, promptly advising the Provincial People's Committee on taking strict action against irresponsible individuals and groups, and completing the report before November 14, 2025.

With decisive direction, clear responsibilities, and specific timelines, Dak Lak is demonstrating a strong determination to improve the management of fishing vessels, decisively address violations, and aim to remove the IUU "yellow card," protecting the reputation and interests of Vietnamese seafood in the international market.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/dak-lak-siet-chat-quan-ly-tau-ca-xu-ly-nghiem-trach-nhiem-nguoi-dung-dau-de-chong-khai-thac-iuu-10393192.html