Raising awareness among fishermen through mock trials.

An Giang province carries out awareness campaigns against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through various methods, including mock trials, to help bring the law closer to fishermen.

The mock trial was held in Tay Yen commune. Photo: THUY TRANG

Along with the vigorous implementation of solutions to combat IUU fishing as directed by the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , coastal localities in the province are focusing on disseminating legal information to fishermen. The content of this dissemination focuses on regulations regarding fisheries exploitation, fishing vessel management, the installation and maintenance of vessel tracking devices, and penalties for illegal fishing in foreign waters.

One of the most effective and engaging methods of disseminating information and raising awareness among fishermen regarding regulations against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing in recent times is the organization of mock trials. Through the reenactment of cases involving illegal emigration, taking fishing vessels to foreign waters for fishing, and illegally interfering with vessel tracking devices, people can directly observe the entire trial process, thereby understanding the legal consequences of their violations.

In May 2026, the Command of Coast Guard Region 4, in coordination with the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Provincial Party Committee, the Military Court of Military Region 9, Cong Ly Newspaper, and the People's Committee of Tay Yen commune, Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, organized a mock trial to raise awareness against IUU fishing, attracting the participation of a large number of fishermen. The trial scenario was designed to closely resemble reality, accurately reflecting the tactics used by some individuals to illegally transport fishing vessels and fishermen to foreign waters for exploitation.

Through the trial, many fishermen became more aware that IUU fishing practices not only harm themselves but also affect the national image and the reputation of Vietnam's fisheries industry internationally. The harsh sentences handed down in the simulated scenario serve as a cautionary lesson for those who are complacent or who violate the law for short-term gain.

After attending numerous awareness campaigns and directly observing mock trials, Mr. Vo Van Hoang, a fisherman from Tay Yen commune, has gained a clearer understanding of the responsibilities of boat owners in complying with regulations on fisheries exploitation. According to Mr. Hoang, fishing in the correct fishing grounds, maintaining the operation of vessel tracking equipment, and not encroaching on foreign waters are legal obligations and contribute to the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

According to Huynh Van Dan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Yen commune, in recent times, propaganda work against IUU fishing has been regularly implemented through various forms such as community meetings, fishing group activities, leaflet distribution, and broadcasting on local radio systems and other media. Through these various forms of propaganda, people's awareness has gradually improved, and the majority of fishermen comply with regulations in fisheries exploitation.

Together with local authorities in the province, functional forces such as the Command of Coast Guard Region 4, the Command of Naval Region 5, the Provincial Border Guard, the Provincial Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department, and other relevant units are actively innovating the content and methods of propaganda to create a widespread impact within the fishing community.

Colonel Pham Viet Huan, Head of the Legal Department of the Coast Guard Region 4 Command, said that in recent times, the unit has implemented many forms of propaganda against IUU fishing. In addition to direct propaganda through patrols, inspections, and controls at sea and through mass media, the unit has also developed mock trials, QR codes, billboards, and slogans at fishing ports and on fishing vessels to bring the law closer to the people. According to Colonel Pham Viet Huan, mock trials are a visual and vivid form of propaganda that helps people easily understand, remember, and absorb the information, thereby raising awareness of law compliance and contributing to effectively preventing IUU fishing activities.

To effectively prevent IUU fishing, in addition to management and enforcement measures, raising awareness among fishermen remains a key factor. When fishermen understand the law, are aware of their responsibilities and the consequences of violations, they will proactively comply and participate in mutual monitoring within the community.

THUY TRANG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nang-cao-nhan-thuc-ngu-dan-tu-phien-toa-gia-dinh-a487644.html