Determined to combat IUU fishing

QTO - Implementing a concentrated campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in recent times, along with propaganda efforts, specialized agencies and coastal localities have focused on reviewing and managing the number of fishing vessels; inspecting, verifying, and strictly handling cases of IUU violations. Through this, they are determined to work together with the whole country to lift the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card".

Comply strictly.

On his first voyage on his new 2.5 billion VND vessel, numbered QT 96688TS, with a power of 780 horsepower, Mr. Bui Van Quy from Tan Loi village, Cua Viet commune, carried not only the hope of a bountiful fishing season but also the sense of responsibility of a modern fisherman. Mr. Quy stated that before setting sail, his fishing vessel had completed all procedures, from crew registration to sealing the vessel tracking device, in accordance with regulations.

“Through awareness campaigns conducted by law enforcement and local authorities, I have a very clear understanding of regulations on combating IUU fishing. When going out to sea, I commit to keeping my vessel tracking device switched on 24/7; fishing in the correct fishing grounds and not encroaching on foreign waters. At the same time, I keep a complete logbook to ensure transparency in the traceability of seafood,” Mr. Quy said.

For Mr. Nguyen Van Hoi, from Dong Trach commune, owner of the fishing vessel QB 92958TS, with a capacity of 829 HP, the spirit of self-discipline and high responsibility in complying with regulations on combating IUU fishing is demonstrated by his proactive investment of nearly 50 million VND to install two additional vessel tracking devices provided by the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group ( Viettel ) and Vietnam Maritime Electronic Information Company Limited (Vishipel), in order to replace the old equipment that frequently lost signal.

These concrete actions not only contribute to the sustainable protection of aquatic resources but also affirm the awareness of fishermen in combating IUU fishing. Mr. Hoi said that on his first fishing trip after the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse, his fishing boat caught nearly 10 tons of grouper, and after deducting expenses, each crew member received more than 10 million VND.

"This time, I plan to head straight to the Hoang Sa fishing grounds, both to earn a living for my family and to contribute to protecting our homeland's seas and islands," Mr. Hoi said.

Authorities inspect fishing boats before departure at Cua Viet port - Photo: LA

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, an officer at the Fisheries Inspection, Monitoring, and Control Office at Cua Tung, Cua Viet, and Cua Viet Market fishing ports, the unit has been fully and seriously inspecting and monitoring fishing vessels entering and leaving the ports. Before leaving the port to fish, fishing vessels must complete all necessary procedures, especially the installation of vessel tracking systems (VMS); the vessel owner, captain, chief engineer, and all crew members must have complete and clear records and lists. Upon returning from fishing, the catch is recorded and compared with the fishing log.

In particular, support and guidance have been provided to fishermen on registering departures and arrivals at ports using the eCDT electronic traceability software for over 9,200 fishing vessels. This software has outstanding advantages such as: helping fishermen declare departures, arrivals, and catch volumes quickly and accurately, minimizing errors in paper logbooks; and enabling authorities to manage the fleet effectively, transparently trace the origin of vessels, support the fight against IUU fishing, and help export businesses easily trace and verify certifications.

Continue to strictly handle violations.

According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province currently has over 4,600 fishing vessels with a length of 6 meters or more. As of the end of February 2026, 100% of fishing vessels have been registered, and nearly 94% have undergone inspection. The rate of granting fishing licenses has reached over 98%, over 96% of fishing vessels have been granted food safety certificates, and over 99% of fishing vessels are equipped with vessel tracking devices as required. Inspection and monitoring of fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; tracing the origin of harvested seafood; and handling violations have been seriously implemented by functional forces. Accordingly, from 2024 to the present, 307 fishing vessels have been subject to administrative penalties totaling nearly 7.9 billion VND; one case/one defendant has been prosecuted criminally, and one case is currently under investigation.

However, despite the achievements, the fight against IUU fishing in the province still faces some challenges, such as: 116 fishing vessels that do not meet operating requirements are still under management; 18 fishing vessels that no longer exist have not been deregistered. The rate of monitoring fishing yields is generally low, especially the lack of monitoring for small fishing vessels under 12m in length operating in coastal waters and engaging in day-trip fishing.

According to Nguyen Huu Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in order to work with the whole country to lift the EC's "yellow card," the department has proposed several solutions such as: Departments, sectors, and localities should continue to strengthen inspections and reviews of assigned tasks related to combating IUU fishing. They should also promptly handle fishing vessels that violate IUU fishing regulations within their jurisdiction.

Localities with fishing vessels must absolutely prevent the emergence of fishing vessels violating foreign waters; intensify propaganda to ensure fishermen strictly comply with regulations on combating IUU fishing; assign the Chairman of the People's Committee at the commune level direct and comprehensive responsibility for this work in their area; coordinate with the Fisheries Sub-Department and Fisheries Inspection to eliminate fishing vessels that do not meet the requirements and currently do not have any; continue to strictly manage fishing vessels that do not meet the operating requirements; promote the responsibility of the entire grassroots political system in mobilizing and requiring owners of fishing vessels that meet the licensing requirements and have a need to operate to complete the procedures for obtaining fishing vessel documents in accordance with regulations; and expedite the payment of subsidies for vessel tracking subscription fees to fishermen.

Le An

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202603/quyet-tam-chong-khai-thac-iuu-a3b7bd9/