Take drastic action and thoroughly handle IUU violations

(GLO)- Synchronously and effectively implementing the 2017 Fisheries Law and regulations on fisheries exploitation; overcoming shortcomings and limitations according to the recommendations of the European Commission (EC) are the solutions that Gia Lai province has set out in Plan No. 2385/QD-UBND to remove the "yellow card" warning in the 5th inspection.

On October 27, the Provincial People's Committee issued Plan No. 2385/QD-UBND on actions for the Peak Month against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the province.

Accordingly, the whole province launched a peak period, resolutely handling IUU violations; striving that by November 15, 2025, there will be no more fishing vessels that lose connection to the vessel monitoring system (VMS) for more than 6 hours without reporting their location, lose connection for more than 10 days without returning the vessel to shore, or exceed the permitted fishing boundary at sea.

Border Guard Squadron 2 coordinated with Nhon Chau Border Guard Station and Nhon Chau Commune People's Committee to inspect and control fishing boats operating in Nhon Chau waters. Photo: DVCC

Take decisive action and handle thoroughly

According to the direction of Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan, in order to continue to affirm the strong commitment of Gia Lai province in particular and Vietnam in general in combating IUU fishing, the Provincial People's Committee requests departments, branches and coastal localities to focus on directing, leading in a unified, synchronous manner and drastically implementing urgent solutions to overcome the EC's warning on combating IUU fishing.

Especially at the grassroots level, we must be more responsible, closely follow, and focus on implementing solutions to combat IUU fishing more drastically, ensuring the principle of "People know, people understand, people believe, people follow, and people do".

Heads of all levels, sectors and coastal localities regularly monitor, grasp the situation and strengthen patrolling, checking, controlling, inspecting, handling and investigating IUU fishing violations according to regulations to ensure the implementation of urgent solutions to overcome the EC's warnings on IUU fishing.

The entire local political system focuses on and directs the implementation of solutions to combat IUU fishing, especially preventing local fishing vessels from violating foreign waters. Heads of Party committees, Party organizations, and authorities at all levels of relevant departments, branches, sectors, and localities directly lead, direct, and are responsible for the work of preventing and combating IUU fishing.

The Border Guard Command, the Provincial Police, departments, branches and localities must have a specific roadmap to overcome shortcomings and limitations in the work of combating IUU fishing according to assigned tasks; regularly inspect, urge and promptly resolve difficulties and problems in the process of implementing tasks. Require "5 clear": Clear people, clear work, clear time, clear results, clear responsibilities in the work of combating IUU fishing.

Industries and localities actively participate

Actively responding to the Peak Month of Action against IUU Fishing, coastal localities have simultaneously launched the campaign. Mr. Tran Minh Lam - Vice Chairman of Hoai Nhon Bac Ward People's Committee - said: Through review, up to now, the ward has 1,299 vessels with the longest length from 6 m to under 24 m that have been registered in the Fisheries Database for management according to regulations.

In addition, in the locality, there are 3 unregistered ships (3-zero ships) and 50 ships with the largest length less than 6 m that have been numbered and managed by the Ward People's Committee.

The implementation of the Action Month against IUU fishing demonstrates the determination of Gia Lai province and the whole country in the effort to remove the EC's "yellow card". In the photo: Activities of fishing vessels at De Gi fishing port. Photo: NH

“Up to now, 100% of fishing vessels with length from 15 m to under 24 m operating in offshore areas have been installed with voyage monitoring equipment; 165 fishing vessels have been issued electronic logbooks; currently, units are continuing to coordinate with Tam Quan Fishing Port and local ship owners to register electronic logbooks, striving to reach 100% for fishing vessels over 15 m operating in offshore areas and will continue to issue electronic logbooks for fishing vessels with length from 12 m to under 15 m in the coming time,” said Mr. Lam.

At De Gi Fishing Port, the People's Committee of De Gi Commune and the functional forces are also on duty 24/7 to patrol and control people and vehicles entering and leaving the fishing port. The work of managing fishing vessel records is carried out regularly; announcing the list of vessels with expired registration and licenses, and reviewing groups of vessels at high risk of violations for close monitoring.

De Gi commune currently has 583 fishing vessels with a length of 6 m or more, of which 174 are inshore fishing vessels (vessels with a length of 6 m to less than 12 m), 172 are offshore fishing vessels (vessels with a length of 12 m to less than 15 m) and 237 are offshore fishing vessels (vessels with a length of 15 m or more). Through review, there are 40 fishing vessels that are not qualified to exploit aquatic products, of which 36 have expired fishing licenses, 29 have expired registrations.

The Commune People's Committee coordinated with Cat Khanh Border Guard Station to invite the ship owner to work, requiring a commitment to complete registration, inspection and licensing before going to sea. At the same time, the commune made a management list, posted it publicly in the community, did not allow anchoring in the area in front of the fishing port for unqualified ships, and required not to keep fishing gear on board.

“The People’s Committee of De Gi commune assigns cadres and party members to monitor each fishing vessel, not allowing the vessel to operate without completing the procedures. The assigned cadres must be responsible to the People’s Committee of the commune if violations occur. In addition to inspections, the commune guides fishermen to complete the application for granting or re-granting fishing licenses according to regulations,” said Trinh Minh Binh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of De Gi commune.

In Nhon Chau island commune, implementing the Peak Month, the People's Committee of the commune continues to promote propaganda against IUU fishing and considers this an urgent task to contribute to the whole province in removing the IUU "yellow card" as well as protecting aquatic resources.

Mr. Nguyen Van Be - Permanent Vice Chairman of Nhon Chau Commune People's Committee - said: The whole commune currently has 59 fishing boats, 100% of which have been registered; of which 49 boats have been granted fishing licenses, 10 boats with expired licenses are anchored at the wharf.

“The commune has stepped up propaganda so that fishermen and boat owners can exploit fish legally and stop IUU violations. The Border Guard, the Police and relevant units regularly patrol, inspect and promptly prevent the use of trawl nets and electric shocks to exploit aquatic products,” said Mr. Be.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/quyet-liet-hanh-dong-xu-ly-triet-de-vi-pham-iuu-post570680.html