Complete, manage and operate the VMS system smoothly and effectively from central to local levels.

The Government Office issued Notice No. 371/TB-VPCP dated August 10, 2024, regarding the conclusions of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang at the meeting to implement solutions to overcome the shortcomings and limitations of the vessel tracking system (VMS).

Quang Ninh, Binh Thuan , and Quang Tri provinces are taking decisive action against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

Many localities are taking decisive action against IUU fishing.

The concluding statement noted: Over the past period, the continued improvement, management, and operation of the VMS system have seen many positive changes; the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , the provider of the VMS system's information technology infrastructure, and related agencies are recognized and commended.

To achieve the goal of lifting the EC's "Yellow Card" warning in 2024, one of the key tasks from now until the end of 2024 is to continue improving, managing, and operating the VMS system smoothly and effectively from the central to local levels. Therefore, maximum focus and optimization of the work are necessary.

Specifically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will take the lead, in coordination with the Ministries of Information and Communications, National Defence, and other relevant ministries and agencies, in resolving technical obstacles to complete the VMS system, ensuring that the system detects, connects data, shares information, and updates the results of handling fishing vessels violating the law 24/7; to be completed before August 20, 2024.

Illustrative image.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development decided to establish an inter-ministerial working group with members from relevant ministries and agencies to advise on and handle technical issues and guide the implementation of laws on VMS systems at the central and local levels. The group will report to the Head of the National Steering Committee on combating IUU fishing on matters exceeding its authority.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Information and Communications to take the lead and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to inspect units providing satellite equipment and services, ensuring the maintenance of the quality of equipment and services for the VMS system.

Instruct service providers/organizations to maintain VMS system connectivity for all devices during peak periods (from now until the 5th EC inspection team concludes its inspection in Vietnam).

The Ministry of Public Security directs police forces and local police to strictly handle organizations and individuals violating the law in accordance with Resolution No. 04/NQ-HĐTP dated June 12, 2024, of the Council of Judges of the Supreme People's Court, which provides guidance on the application of certain provisions of the Penal Code regarding criminal liability for acts related to illegal exploitation, trading, and transportation of aquatic products.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide information defining Vietnam's maritime boundaries with countries in the region to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the purpose of identifying and guiding fishing vessels and fishermen to conduct legal fishing activities in the sea areas in accordance with Vietnamese and international law; this will be completed before August 15, 2024.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang instructed the Ministry of National Defense to direct relevant forces to strengthen inspection and control of the VMS system connectivity of fishing vessels through border guard posts and stations in maritime areas; and to strictly handle fishing vessels that violate regulations.

People's Committees of coastal provinces and centrally-administered cities: Review and supplement technical equipment and information technology infrastructure to serve the operation of the VMS system at fisheries management agencies and fishing ports in the locality; complete before August 31, 2024.

The Chairpersons of the People's Committees of coastal provinces and centrally-administered cities shall decide on the establishment of inter-agency working groups to operate the VMS system, monitor, detect, receive and verify information, handle and update the results of handling violations of VMS regulations by fishing vessels in their localities.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is tasked with guiding, inspecting, supervising, monitoring, compiling, and reporting the results of implementation to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang - Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hoan-thien-quan-ly-van-hanh-he-thong-vms-thong-suot-hieu-qua-tu-trung-uong-toi-dia-phuong-203461.html