In recent days, the news that a fishing boat in Kien Giang hid the vehicle tracking devices (VMS) of 14 other fishing boats has caused a headache for the authorities as this situation is becoming more and more common. This is not the first case of some fishing boats deliberately sending VMS devices to other fishing boats to illegally fish…
In recent times, the installation of VMS devices has significantly contributed to helping management agencies monitor and control fleets in enforcing the Fisheries Law, as well as implementing solutions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, especially preventing fishing vessels from violating foreign waters. However, there are still quite common cases of fishing vessels losing signals while fishing, or cases of sending VMS devices to other fishing vessels to "deal with" the authorities.
Recently, Ca Mau province had a similar situation and the provincial authorities revoked the fishing licenses of 7 fishing boats related to a fishing boat that hid 10 VMS devices from many other fishing boats to receive dozens of liters of fuel. For each VMS device sent, the boat owner will receive from 30 liters to 60 liters of oil.
According to the Coast Guard Region 4 Command, in 2023, the unit's forces arrested and handled dozens of fishing vessels that violated the act of removing VMS equipment and transferring it to other fishing vessels to hide it illegally. Although the functional sector actively propagated in many forms, many fishermen still deliberately violated for immediate benefits, still not understanding the importance when Vietnamese seafood was warned with a "red card" if this 5th inspection failed.
In Binh Thuan, there has not been a case of sending VMS equipment to other fishing vessels, but there are still many cases of losing VMS connection for more than 10 days. Therefore, in a recent urgent document on reviewing the work of combating IUU fishing and preparing to work with the EC Inspectorate for the 5th time, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized the need to organize investigations, verify, clarify, and strictly handle according to regulations for vessels that lose connection to the province's VMS signal, and handle the case thoroughly according to the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Official Dispatch 2999/BNN-TS1. At the same time, continue to closely monitor fishing vessels operating at sea through the fishing vessel journey monitoring system, promptly detect, warn, and handle fishing vessels that lose connection to VMS, and exceed the permitted boundaries at sea according to the correct procedures and regulations.
Recently, the Border Guard Commands of the two provinces of Binh Thuan and Ba Ria - Vung Tau also held a discussion on how to handle fishing vessels of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province that have been sold and are operating in the waters of Binh Thuan province. According to the Border Guard Command of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, through monitoring, 6 fishing vessels of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province operating in the waters of Binh Thuan province were discovered to have lost VMS connection for more than 10 days. These are vessels that regularly operate in distant waters for long periods of time and have not returned to Ba Ria - Vung Tau province for a long time. At the meeting, the leaders of the Border Guards of the two provinces and specialized departments exchanged specific information about the 6 fishing vessels above, and at the same time, agreed on measures to handle the 6 fishing vessels. When there is close coordination between the functional agencies of provinces and cities, the management and strict control of vehicles operating between sea areas will be more effective. In addition, the exchange of information in implementing measures to prevent and combat IUU fishing or handling violations will be faster and more synchronized.
To put an end to this situation, the Provincial People's Committee previously issued a document requesting the Department of Fisheries Surveillance, Coast Guard, and Navy to coordinate in reminding ship owners and captains to fix the connection signal (or call on fishing vessels to return to the maritime boundary), and at the same time conduct inspections, handle and impose penalties according to their authority. In addition, promptly exchange and provide information related to fishing vessels that have lost connection/crossed the maritime boundary with the functional units of Binh Thuan province for handling according to regulations.
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