Combating IUU Fishing: Dong Thap excels with methodical and decisive approach; Quang Ninh restructures fisheries for sustainable development
WVR - Efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have been intensified by many coastal localities recently.
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Dong Thap's methodical and decisive approach to combating IUU fishing
To date, Dong Thap province has been very decisive in its efforts to combat IUU violations. The province has completed 100% of the licensing for its active fleet, with 1,326 out of 1,326 fishing vessels granted valid licenses. All fishing vessels are equipped with voyage monitoring systems, maintaining signals 24/7 from departure to arrival as per regulations. For vessels not meeting operational conditions, local authorities have handed them over to the commune police for sealing, management, and strict supervision.
The province has two fishing ports, Vam Lang and My Tho, fully capable of handling cargo, ensuring 100% of fishing vessels dock according to regulations. All vessels 15 meters or longer dock at designated ports, where their catch is monitored, and the origin of the harvested seafood is traced through the eCDT electronic system.
Provincial sectors and levels regularly organize inspection teams to supervise and urge local agencies and functional forces. They proactively develop scenarios, detailed plans, and prepare all necessary documents and conditions to be ready for the European Commission (EC) inspection teams at riverine and coastal communes and across the province.
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| Fishing vessels dock at My Tho port after a sea voyage. (Source: VOV) |
During the working days, the Central Interdisciplinary Inspection Team directly examined the organization and implementation of IUU combat tasks and the execution of EC recommendations at Mỹ Tho fishing port. They also worked with the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment on fleet management, catch monitoring, and tracing the origin of harvested seafood.
Concluding the inspection, Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, praised Đồng Tháp's decisive and methodical approach in combating IUU fishing. The team also pointed out existing issues for the locality to address before the EC inspection team arrives in Vietnam.
To continue combating IUU violations, Dong Thap's People's Committee requires relevant departments, agencies, and local governments with fishing vessels to review and reconcile data on vessels entering and leaving ports, and passing through border posts/stations. They must ensure that vessels departing through border posts/stations for fishing activities have port departure confirmation. Vessels returning through border posts/stations must enter the fishing port and notify the port, commune police, and local authorities for control and handling if they do not dock to unload harvested seafood as per regulations. They must inspect and handle vessels unloading products at unauthorized locations...
For the operations of fishery logistics service vessels, strict inspection and monitoring are organized. They trace and determine the root origin of harvested seafood products transshipped to ports for unloading. They trace the information of fishing vessels that have transshipped, reconciling VMS data with transshipment logs to ensure compliance. Violations in seafood transshipment are strictly handled according to fisheries, fuel business, and other relevant laws.
People's Committees of communes and wards with fishing vessels are responsible for managing and closely supervising the activities of vessels within their jurisdiction. They must have accurate information on vessels and fishermen in the area, clearly identify docking positions, and ensure vessels are not dispersed, posing high risks and control difficulties. They must strictly handle officials and agencies assigned to prevent unqualified vessels from participating in fishing activities.
Quang Ninh enhances infrastructure for IUU control
In the coming period, Quang Ninh aims not only to combat IUU fishing but also to restructure fisheries for sustainable development by shifting from coastal exploitation to high-tech marine farming, fishery logistics services, and eco-tourism linked with fishing communities.
Additionally, the province will issue policies to support job transitions, dismantling vessels, and maintaining VMS equipment. Plans will be made to transition fishing practices affecting aquatic resources from 2026 to 2030 and to decentralize the management of fishing vessels and aquaculture facilities.
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| Promoting and reminding fishing vessels to comply with regulations on fishing activities in the sea of Quang Ha commune, Quang Ninh province. (Source: Quang Ha Commune Electronic Information Portal) |
Quang Ninh will also enhance the infrastructure of fishing ports and storm shelter anchorage areas, ensuring conditions for announcing four fishing ports in the area: Cai Rong (Type II), Tien Toi (Type III), Phuc Tien (Type III), and Co To (Type III). Notably, Quang Ninh is completing the marine protected area network, conducting investigations, and establishing boundaries for the Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long marine protected areas. They will maintain and expand annual fish stock replenishment activities.
Especially, Quang Ninh is completing the marine protected area network in the province by establishing the Co To – Dao Tran Marine Protected Area to conserve while harmonizing with sustainable livelihood development for local communities. They are also accelerating projects to investigate and establish boundaries for the Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long marine protected areas.
