Combating IUU fishing: Quang Ninh aims for sustainable fisheries development
Strictly implementing the directives of the Central Government and the province, the work of preventing and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, linked with the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in Quang Ninh, has achieved many positive results in recent times, creating a clear transformation in fisheries management.
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| Quang Ninh has achieved many positive results in recent times, creating a clear transformation in fisheries management. (Photo: QMG) |
To date, 100% of eligible fishing vessels operating in the province, totaling 4,123 vessels, have completed registration and been granted fishing licenses as per regulations. With this achievement, Quang Ninh has become one of the four localities nationwide to complete the fishing license issuance process early, making a significant contribution to the country's overall efforts to address the European Commission's (EC) "Yellow Card" warning.
Entering 2026, Quang Ninh province continues to identify the fight against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing as a key, priority, and urgent political task, requiring synchronized and unified efforts from the provincial level to the grassroots.
The overarching goal is to resolutely prevent the emergence of fishing vessels violating foreign waters; ensure 100% of fishing vessels 15 meters or longer maintain continuous vessel monitoring systems (VMS) connectivity; and ensure 100% of harvested seafood is controlled at ports. Alongside this, the province will focus on improving institutional frameworks and support mechanisms, while strictly handling IUU violations, especially those violating VMS regulations.
Alongside tightening management, Quang Ninh continues to sustainably maintain fundamental aspects of fisheries management, such as: reviewing, compiling statistics, marking, registering, inspecting, and licensing fishing vessels; certifying and committing to food safety; installing and synchronizing vessel tracking devices; and fully updating data into the National Fisheries Database System (VNFishbase), ensuring the requirements of "accurate, clean, live, unified, and shared." Inspection and control are carried out on 100% of fishing vessels and seafood production passing through ports, combined with strict management of records, books, and data to support monitoring, supervision, and handling of violations.
In addition, the province is stepping up propaganda and training to raise awareness among fishermen about combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing; organizing the release of 4-5 million aquatic species into natural waters to regenerate and restore aquatic resources, with socialized funding accounting for 70% or more.
Quang Ninh also continues to research and propose improvements to mechanisms and policies; attract investment, gradually improve the system of fishing ports, fish markets, and storm shelters; arrange and allocate marine aquaculture areas in accordance with planning; and promote digital transformation and the application of modern technology in managing and monitoring fishing activities.
Notably, in 2026, Quang Ninh province will organize two intensive patrols, inspections, and controls to ensure compliance with regulations on IUU fishing in January and February, aiming to best prepare for the EC inspection team's fifth visit to Vietnam. Simultaneously, a 24/7 hotline for protecting aquatic resources will be maintained, ensuring that 100% of reports are received, checked, verified, and processed promptly according to regulations.
The province continues to promote activities to develop and regenerate aquatic resources; mobilize community participation and social resources in stocking; entrust communities with the management of protected areas; implement surveys and assessments of commercial fisheries; organize conservation activities in the Co To - Tran Island Marine Protected Area and research and develop projects for new marine protected areas. At the same time, it encourages aquaculture facilities to use industrial feed to reduce pressure on natural resource exploitation.
With a systematic, decisive, and coordinated approach, Quang Ninh is gradually asserting its role as a leading locality in preventing and combating IUU fishing, aiming for the sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector, meeting the requirements of international integration and the recommendations of the European Commission.
(Souce: Vietnamtimes)
