Combating IUU fishing: Hai Phong 'cleans up' fishing vessel data, Lam Dong emerges as a 'shining spot'
WVR - With the determined involvement of the authorities and the unity of local residents, recent positive signals from the European Commission (EC) inspections suggest that if the current discipline and responsibility are maintained, the day the "yellow card" is lifted is not far off.
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Lam Dong strictly manages fishing vessels, enforces violations
Lam Dong is emerging as a national highlight in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, contributing to maintaining the reputation of the fisheries sector and aiming to soon lift the European Commission's "yellow card".
The Department of Agriculture and Environment, the standing body of the provincial Steering Committee against IUU fishing, reported that by the end of December 2025, the entire province had 8,210 registered fishing vessels. Notably, the rate of fishing vessels updated with national population data (VNeID) reached 98.76%, demonstrating significant efforts by localities and relevant sectors in synchronizing data, laying the foundation for modern management in the future.
The rate of fishing vessels granted exploitation licenses also exceeded 90%, helping to bring fishing activities into order. For the 779 vessels whose licenses have expired or are ineligible for fishing, the authorities have fully documented and specifically notified each commune and ward to organize strict supervision and control, resolutely preventing them from departing for fishing. This approach demonstrates the strictness of the law while helping fishermen better understand their responsibilities in participating in marine activities.
In controlling fishing vessel activities, the border guard forces play a key role. Since the beginning of 2025, units have controlled over 68,500 fishing vessel departures and arrivals, promptly detecting and preventing vessels not meeting operational conditions. Notably, the Fisheries and Island Supervision Team maintains a 24/7 watch, closely monitoring the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) signals, promptly warning and handling arising situations at sea.
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| Border guards in Lam Dong inspect and control activities as fishing vessels prepare to depart. (Source: Lam Dong Newspaper) |
The verification and certification of the origin of harvested seafood, especially for shipments exported to the European market, are carried out seriously, strictly adhering to all regulations on combating IUU fishing. This contributes to maintaining the reputation of Lam Dong's seafood in particular, and Vietnam's in general, on the international market.
Regarding the task of combating IUU fishing, the province is determined to strictly handle violations. In May 2025, one fishing vessel from the province violated foreign waters and was detained by Malaysia. The case was resolved, with the vessel owner fined 900 million VND. Since then, no provincial fishing vessels have violated foreign waters. For acts of losing VMS connection and crossing exploitation boundaries, from 2024 to now, all 789 detected violations have been handled, achieving a 100% resolution rate. In 2025 alone, 139 cases were fined, totaling over 5 billion VND, enhancing deterrence and preventing violations.
In addition to handling violations, legal propaganda and dissemination are identified as fundamental, long-term solutions. Hundreds of reports and articles on combating IUU fishing have been published in the media; thousands of fishermen have been educated, guided, and committed to not violating IUU regulations.
The organization of mock trials related to specific violations has helped fishermen easily understand and remember, thereby improving their legal compliance awareness. With the efforts and results achieved, at the evaluation meeting on combating IUU fishing held at the end of December 2025, Lam Dong was one of two provinces nationwide praised and highly evaluated by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Head of the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing.
Hai Phong strictly monitors 'Three No' vessels
By tightening inspection procedures, closely monitoring "three no" vessels, and strictly handling violations of foreign waters, Hai Phong is striving to affirm its commitment in the race to bring Vietnam's fisheries sector back to the "green trajectory".
One of the biggest obstacles in Hai Phong's management efforts recently has been the existence of "three no" fishing vessels: unregistered, uninspected, and unlicensed for exploitation. These vessels often operate spontaneously, making it difficult to control output and operational waters.
To thoroughly address this situation, the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment has coordinated with coastal localities such as Thuy Nguyen, Cat Hai, Do Son, and Tien Lang to launch a comprehensive review campaign. Task forces have visited each alley and knocked on each door to guide fishermen in completing registration procedures under the latest regulations. For vessels not meeting operational conditions, authorities resolutely require them to remain docked or enforce strong sanctions.
Additionally, monitoring the VMS is considered the "eye in the sky" to prevent violations. The city's fishing vessel monitoring data center operates 24/7, promptly detecting and issuing warning signals for vessels losing connection or showing signs of crossing permitted sea boundaries. Remote penalties through VMS data are also strictly enforced, creating significant deterrence within the fishing community.
Recently, at a press information and briefing conference, Mr. Vu Ba Cong, Deputy Director of the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that the city currently manages 788 fishing vessels 6 meters or longer. The city has achieved the goal of issuing fishing licenses to 100% of eligible vessels under regulations.
Among the main offshore fishing fleet (15 meters or longer), consisting of 274 vessels, the rate of VMS installation has reached an absolute 100%. A breakthrough in management this year is the "cleaning" of data. All fishing vessel information has been cross-checked via the VNeID application and synchronously updated to the National Fisheries Management Software System (VN-Fishbase).
Following the Prime Minister's directive on the peak month against IUU fishing, Hải Phòng has consolidated the Steering Committee from the city level to coastal communes and wards. The Fisheries Control Office is maintained on alert to strictly handle violations from the shore.
Moreover, fishermen's awareness has significantly changed, shifting from coping to voluntarily recording fishing logs, reporting departures and arrivals, and maintaining VMS operation 24/7 while at sea. However, the pressure to lift the "yellow card" requires stronger measures. The city has directed authorities to closely monitor the docking positions of each inactive vessel—those not meeting operational conditions due to lack of inspection or VMS installation.
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| In the upcoming period, Hai Phong will organize additional peak patrols at river mouths, sea gates, and spontaneous fishing ports. (Source: Business Forum Magazine) |
This list is assigned to commune and village officials for strict supervision, even applying sealing measures, locking vessels, or arranging centralized docking to prevent covert operations. To address the root of the problem, Hai Phong is developing a proposal to transition fishermen to alternative livelihoods. The goal is to gradually reduce the number of fishing vessels, decrease fishing intensity to conserve aquatic resources, and simultaneously create new livelihoods linked to aquaculture and marine services.
The city is also implementing policies to support fishermen in upgrading and replacing VMS equipment to meet new technical standards under Decree 37/2024. Simultaneously, regulations on criminal liability for acts of brokering and organizing fishing vessel departures to foreign waters are being widely disseminated to each household as a deterrent.
In the upcoming period, Hai Phong will organize additional peak patrols at river mouths, sea gates, and spontaneous fishing ports. Unmarked vessels, those without registration numbers, or those deliberately disconnecting VMS will face the highest penalty brackets.
According to the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment, besides sea control, logistics at fishing ports is a crucial "link" for the EC to assess Vietnam's efforts. At key fishing ports like Ngoc Hai and Tran Chau, the process of monitoring seafood unloading has been tightened more than ever.
Fishermen docking at ports are required to fully and accurately record fishing logs, including time, coordinates, and species. Interdisciplinary task forces at the ports are responsible for cross-checking log data with actual journeys on the monitoring system. This transparency not only facilitates traceability but also protects the rights of honest fishermen when bringing products to demanding markets.
However, alongside administrative measures, communication plays a pivotal role. Hai Phong authorities have determined that only when fishermen shift from "exploiting at all costs" to "responsible exploitation" will the "yellow card" be sustainably lifted. Training sessions right at the docks and flyers on the Fisheries Law handed directly to vessel owners have gradually changed the mindset of the community. Fishermen are beginning to understand that complying with measures to combat IUU fishing is not about evading inspections but protecting their long-term livelihoods and those of future generations.
