U Minh Commune: Enhancing the effectiveness of combating IUU fishing.

Focusing on public awareness campaigns, digitizing 100% of expired fishing vessel records, and strictly controlling vessels are decisive solutions being implemented by U Minh commune to jointly address the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card" warning.

• Border Guard Squadron 2 launches intensive campaign to crack down on IUU violations.
• Do not shy away from responsibility in combating IUU fishing.

U Minh commune has 336 fishing vessels.

As a coastal locality of Ca Mau province with a coastline of 17.2 km, U Minh commune has a vibrant fishing industry, contributing to stable livelihoods and income for many households.

Currently, the entire commune has 336 fishing vessels operating at sea, including 212 vessels under 12 meters, 88 vessels from 12 meters to under 15 meters, and 36 vessels 15 meters or longer.

In an effort to join the rest of the country in quickly resolving the EC's " yellow card " warning against Vietnamese fisheries, U Minh commune has identified improving the efficiency of fishing vessel management and the awareness of fishermen in complying with the law as core elements in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Relevant agencies are coordinating efforts to raise awareness about combating IUU fishing through various means.

Local authorities have closely coordinated with relevant agencies to promote the dissemination of fisheries laws to every fisherman. The content of the宣传 campaign focuses on the strict implementation of regulations on registration, inspection, and licensing of fishing activities; the installation and maintenance of 24/7 vessel monitoring systems (VMS) at sea; and the absolute prohibition of encroaching on foreign waters.

Captain Tran Thai Bao, Deputy Political Officer of Khanh Tien Border Guard Station, said: “Since the beginning of the year, Khanh Tien Border Guard Station has coordinated with relevant agencies and local authorities to organize 45 direct propaganda sessions, combined with the “Border Guard Loudspeaker” model, attracting 585 listeners. At the same time, we distributed 350 propaganda leaflets and presented 60 national flags to fishermen venturing out to sea.”

In addition, U Minh commune is actively implementing policies to support the upgrading and replacement of equipment and subsidize subscription fees for vessel tracking systems in accordance with Resolution 03 of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Council.

The national flags presented as gifts further motivate fishermen to venture out to sea, maintain their presence there, and protect the sovereignty of our maritime territories and islands.

Mr. Lam Van Nho, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of U Minh commune and Chairman of the Farmers' Association of the commune, shared: “Through these propaganda sessions, each member and fisherman, after accessing the information, will become an active propagandist for their relatives and neighbors. The goal is not only to comply with the law, but also to conserve aquatic resources and develop sustainable livelihoods .”

The Khanh Tien Border Guard Station, in coordination with police and military forces, patrols and controls the movement of boats and ships in and out of the Huong Mai estuary (U Minh commune).

Regarding the management of fishing vessels, the locality has completed the digitization of 18/18 fishing vessel records with expired fishing licenses (100%); digitized 12/12 fishing vessel records with expired registration (100%); and simultaneously monitored and promptly handled 100% of cases of vessels losing connection with shore in accordance with regulations.

"The good news is that so far, no fishing vessels in the commune have violated foreign waters," Captain Tran Thai Bao reported.

With the decisive involvement of the entire political system and the strong consensus of the people, U Minh commune is gradually improving the effectiveness of its fight against IUU fishing, determined to work together with Ca Mau province and the whole country to remove the EC's "yellow card," aiming for a sustainable, responsible, and internationally integrated fisheries sector.

Tran Chuong - Minh Nhi

Source: https://baocamau.vn/xa-u-minh-nang-hieu-qua-chong-khai-thac-iuu-a129062.html