Standing alongside fishermen to combat IUU fishing.

QTO - With the determination to join hands with the whole country to remove the "yellow card" from the European Commission (EC), Bac Trach commune has proactively implemented many comprehensive solutions to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, gradually bringing fishing activities into order.

Strengthen propaganda efforts.

According to Tran Hai, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Trach commune, thanks to the close attention and guidance of provincial departments and agencies, the commune has implemented many measures to prevent IUU fishing. Among these, propaganda and mobilization efforts have been identified as the core key.

The commune has continuously issued guidance documents and disseminated legal regulations related to IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing through its public address system and social media platforms. Thanks to this persistent effort, the awareness of local residents has significantly improved. Fishermen are now well-versed in legal regulations, helping to ensure that fishing activities are conducted in an orderly and compliant manner. In the coming time, the commune will continue to strengthen its propaganda efforts and resolutely handle violations to join hands with the rest of the country in removing the EC's "yellow card" as soon as possible.

Working alongside local authorities, border guards play a crucial role as a strong "spearhead" at the grassroots level. Major Nguyen Van Sau, of the Ly Hoa Border Guard Station, said that in recent times, the unit has focused intensely on educating fishermen to comply with policies against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. Border guards regularly coordinate with local authorities, going directly to residential areas, to individual boats, and to each family to meet with fishermen, boat owners, and captains.

Authorities are raising awareness among fishermen about preventing and combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing - Photo: LL

During these face-to-face meetings, authorities not only disseminated laws on fisheries exploitation but also emphasized regulations on maritime entry and exit, the responsibility to maintain vessel tracking equipment, the need for complete fishing logbook keeping, and strict adherence to permitted operating areas.

As a long-time fisherman, Mr. Dinh Trong Chuong, owner of the vessel NA99234, shared: “When the authorities disseminated information about fishing in the correct routes and channels, we completely agreed. All the crew members committed to not engaging in illegal fishing, thus protecting the marine environment and preserving aquatic resources in the long term.”

Implement multiple solutions simultaneously.

To ensure the fight against IUU fishing is thorough, the People's Committee of Bac Trach commune has directed its departments and agencies to coordinate with functional forces to closely monitor vessels that do not meet the operating requirements to ensure they do not participate in fishing; publicly post the list of vessels at the commune-level People's Committee headquarters, fishing ports, and village cultural centers where fishing vessels are located; and assign officials to closely monitor and implement management and supervision measures to prevent violations.

The commune has compiled a list of local seafood purchasing establishments for management and control; requiring them to only purchase seafood harvested from fishing vessels unloaded at the fishing port; regularly inspecting the operation of Type III fishing ports under its management, ensuring the correct and full implementation of regulations regarding the responsibilities assigned to fishing ports in combating IUU fishing; and strengthening the dissemination of legal regulations on combating IUU fishing in the villages to raise awareness among fishermen about their responsibility in protecting aquatic resources and complying with the law.

The People's Committee of the commune, in coordination with functional forces stationed in the area, will continue to strictly control fishing vessels entering and leaving the port; resolutely preventing them from going to sea if they do not meet the operating conditions or lack the required equipment, and strictly handling violating fishing vessels according to the assigned authority; strictly controlling the mooring locations and vessel status of fishing vessels that do not meet the operating conditions; and strengthening coordination in disseminating information on regulations against IUU fishing in the locality.

The commune's Military Command and Police Department will strengthen the deployment of forces to both disseminate information and promptly detect and prevent potential IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing activities from an early stage and from afar; continue to implement operational measures to monitor and supervise each fishing vessel and fisherman at high risk of violating illegal fishing regulations in foreign waters, as well as those involved in brokering and facilitating illegal fishing, preventing and handling violations both on shore and at sea, ensuring that no fishing vessels violate foreign waters; and coordinate with functional forces in handling serious IUU fishing cases in accordance with the law, ensuring a deterrent effect.

With decisive leadership, close coordination among functional forces, and the consensus of the people, the fight against IUU fishing in Bac Trach will continue to make positive progress, making an important contribution to the goal of sustainable fisheries development.

Lily of the Valley

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202605/dong-hanh-with-ngu-dan-chong-khai-thac-iuu-c732e69/