Long Hai fishermen propose many solutions to overcome IUU difficulties

On October 11, the Ho Chi Minh City Border Guard coordinated with the People's Committee of Long Hai Commune and Phuoc Tinh Border Guard Station to organize the program "Morning Coffee with Fishermen" to propagate and mobilize fishermen to comply with regulations on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

HCM City Border Guards have friendly coffee with fishermen

Attending the event were representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City; the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance of Ho Chi Minh City; leaders of the Party Committee, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Long Hai commune and a large number of fishermen.

At the meeting, the functional forces disseminated the content of Official Dispatch No. 122/CD-TTg dated July 25, 2025 of the Prime Minister on strengthening the fight against IUU fishing; emphasizing the responsibility of each ship owner and captain in maintaining voyage monitoring equipment and exploiting in the right area and in accordance with regulations.

In the direct dialogue between fishermen and management agencies, many Long Hai fishermen reported that the situation of broken or disconnected journey monitoring devices during fishing is still common due to weak signals, old equipment or bad weather.

“We did not intentionally violate the law, but when the device cut off the signal, the ship was called back to shore to work, losing the entire voyage, wasting fuel and money. I hope the authorities will carefully consider cases of force majeure,” a fisherman shared.

The issue of equipment maintenance fees is also of concern to many people. Mr. Nguyen Van Nho, a fisherman in Long Hai commune, said that currently each boat has to spend from 380,000 - 420,000 VND/month to maintain the connection, which is a big burden.

“Some localities have supported this fee. I hope the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee will consider a similar policy so that people can feel secure at sea and maintain the sovereignty of the Fatherland’s seas,” Mr. Nho suggested.

HCM City border guards distribute propaganda leaflets to fishermen at the "Morning Coffee" session.

Many people say that seafood resources are declining, fishing grounds are far away, costs are increasing, while procedures for changing jobs are still cumbersome. Some fishermen want to switch to aquaculture, logistics services or nearshore fishing but have difficulty borrowing capital and registering for new jobs.

“The government needs to have specific directions and preferential loan policies to help people change jobs when they are no longer able to fish offshore,” a fisherman suggested.

In addition, many opinions support the "temporary ban on sea travel" during the breeding season to protect resources and restore seafood reserves, and at the same time suggest policies to support people during the temporary suspension of operations.

Some fishermen also proposed that the city support providing journey monitoring devices for poor fishermen to reduce costs and facilitate State management.

Ms. Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City, acknowledged the recommendations and said that she will synthesize a report for the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to consider, and at the same time review the job conversion procedures to suit the reality.

“Complying with IUU regulations is a mandatory requirement, but the State always accompanies and creates conditions for fishermen to both comply with the law and stabilize their livelihoods,” Ms. Na emphasized.

BLESSINGS

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/ngu-dan-long-hai-kien-nghi-nhieu-giai-phap-de-go-kho-iuu-post817548.html