Prevent overexploitation.

The area under the management of Rach Tram Border Guard Station mainly consists of inshore fishing vessels. Recently, the unit has intensified its efforts to raise awareness and encourage fishermen not to use prohibited fishing gear, contributing to the protection of aquatic resources and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The task force of Rach Tram Border Guard Station held a meeting with local residents to raise awareness against the use of prohibited fishing gear. Photo: BAO THY

Every week, at the beach area, the sight of border guards distributing leaflets, providing legal guidance, and explaining regulations related to fisheries has become familiar to fishermen. The Rach Tram Border Guard Station also organizes focused awareness campaigns, combining visual presentations on the harmful effects of using electric shock devices, explosives, and prohibited fishing gear in fishing.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tri Dao, Political Officer of Rach Tram Border Guard Station, said: “Some fishermen, for immediate gain, still secretly use prohibited tools to exploit aquatic resources. This endangers the users themselves and seriously depletes aquatic resources. Therefore, the unit focuses on extensive and concise propaganda to help people understand the harmful effects and legal penalties.”

In addition to oral propaganda, the unit also coordinated with local authorities, the fisheries sector, and other organizations to encourage fishermen to sign commitments not to use prohibited fishing gear or methods in fishing. The content of the commitments was widely disseminated to solidarity fishing boat groups, fishing unions, and self-governing groups for security and order at sea.

Captain Nguyen Truong Tho, Head of the Bai Thom Border Control Station, Rach Tram Border Guard Post, stated: “The station's task force has extracted relevant content from legal documents and propaganda materials of the fisheries sector. These documents emphasize that the use of electric shock and destructive fishing methods not only eliminates adult marine life but also destroys eggs, juveniles, and the marine environment. This leads to a decline in fishery resources, directly impacting fishermen's income in the long term. Through this awareness campaign, people in the area no longer use prohibited tools and fishing gear for fishing.”

To enhance the effectiveness of propaganda, the unit's specialized task forces also directly inspect documents and fishing gear, and remind fishermen to strictly comply with the law before each trip out to sea. Cases of deliberate violations will be severely punished according to regulations. In addition to propaganda work, the border guard force also strengthens patrols and controls at sea to promptly detect and prevent the use of prohibited tools in marine resource exploitation; launches a movement for all citizens to participate in reporting violations at sea and encourages fishermen to voluntarily surrender electric fishing devices. Many violations have been severely punished, contributing to deterrence and general education .

According to current regulations, the use of explosives, electric shocks, or poisons for fishing can result in significant administrative fines, even the revocation of captain's licenses or criminal prosecution, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, the government has issued numerous policies to prevent destructive fishing practices, including requiring coastal localities and relevant authorities to strengthen awareness campaigns, inspections, and strictly punish violations.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Tai, owner of a fishing boat in Rach Tram Bai Thom neighborhood, Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, shared: “Thanks to the border guards' awareness campaign, I understand that using prohibited fishing gear might yield good profits in the short term, but in the long run, it will deplete marine resources. Therefore, I always remind my crew to comply with the regulations.”

Through various flexible and practical methods, border guards contribute to raising awareness and compliance with the law among fishermen in marine resource exploitation. This gradually reduces the use of prohibited tools, protects aquatic resources, and contributes to building a sustainable fisheries industry.

BAO THY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ngan-chan-khai-thac-tan-diet-a486888.html