Key tasks to combat IUU fishing until September 30

BTO-After an online meeting of the Provincial Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hong Hai concluded and directed a number of key contents.

In general, functional sectors and localities have made many efforts to implement tasks and solutions to prevent IUU fishing. However, the implementation results are not comprehensive, there are still some shortcomings and limitations that are slow to be overcome. The progress of implementing the task of handling "3 no" vessels of Ham Tan district is quite slow; fishing vessels have registered but do not have fishing licenses, there are still a large number of backlogs. The rate of exploited aquatic products monitored for IUU is still very low; the progress of repairing and restoring fishing port infrastructure and storm shelters is still slow, especially at La Gi Fishing Port. Handling of IUU fishing violations is still limited, especially handling of violations in monitoring journeys... The main reason is that some agencies, units and localities lack efforts and determination in performing assigned duties and tasks, the coordination between agencies and units is not synchronized in some places; There is a state of apprehension, deference, and lack of determination in handling violations of IUU fishing.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hong Hai directed a number of key tasks.

Therefore, the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee requested the Heads of agencies, units, heads of Party committees and authorities at district and commune levels to focus on leadership, direction, drastic actions, and seriously implement the direction of the Secretariat, the Government, the Prime Minister, the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU, the direction of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee on the work of combating IUU fishing associated with sustainable development of the marine economy and protection of sea and island sovereignty . Make efforts and promptly overcome shortcomings and limitations related to their sectors, fields, agencies, units and localities, take responsibility for progress and implementation results, and proactively prepare to work with the EC Inspection Delegation for the 5th inspection (expected in October 2024).

Resolutely not allowing fishing boats and fishermen to violate foreign waters. (Photo: N. Lan)

Accordingly, it is necessary to carry out key tasks until September 30, 2024. Departments, branches, localities, first of all the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the provincial media agencies organize a peak period of information and propaganda work on the contents and tasks that have been and are being implemented in the fight against IUU fishing in the province. Continue to manage, monitor, and closely supervise high-risk fishing vessels, resolutely not allowing fishing vessels and fishermen to violate foreign waters. Focus on the peak of implementing registration and granting fishing licenses for "3 no" fishing vessels according to Circular No. 06. Request the People's Committee of Ham Tan district to urgently study and apply the model and working methods in handling this task of the People's Committee of Tuy Phong district. The People's Committees of coastal districts, towns, and cities direct the People's Committees of relevant communes to make a list of fishing vessel owners who do not cooperate with local authorities and send it to the competent authorities for coordination and thorough handling.

Focusing on implementing registration and granting fishing licenses for "3 no" fishing vessels (photo: N. Lan)

For the group of "3 no" fishing vessels from 6 to under 12 meters, localities are required to continue to review, guide fishermen to implement, complete the procedures and documents to register and issue fishing licenses before September 15, 2024. For the group of fishing vessels 12 meters or longer, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development directs the Fisheries Sub-Department and the Registration Center to review the registration procedures, issue Technical Safety Certificates for Fishing Vessels, and resolve problems to complete the registration procedures before September 30, 2024. For vessels that have not completed the procedures due to legal documents, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is assigned to preside, along with relevant agencies to review each specific case for resolution. For fishing vessels purchased outside the province in previous periods, review the status of documents, promptly resolve re-registration for cases that have had their offshore fishing license quota transferred to Binh Thuan after being handled according to regulations. At the same time, continue to contact and urge provinces to transfer offshore fishing license quotas to the remaining vessels, discuss with the Department of Fisheries to agree on how to handle cases of fishing vessels purchased outside the province that do not transfer offshore fishing license quotas to Binh Thuan province, urgently complete before September 30, 2024...

Concentrate human resources and means to continue patrolling, inspecting and controlling fishing vessels.

In addition, focus on overcoming shortcomings in monitoring the output of exploited aquatic products, statistics of fishing vessels entering and leaving fishing ports, speeding up the implementation of the Electronic Traceability System for Exploited Aquatic Products (eCDT). Require functional forces (Border Guard, Fisheries Surveillance, Fisheries Control Representative Office) to concentrate human resources and means to continue patrolling, inspecting and controlling fishing vessels at river mouths, seaports, fishing ports, temporary wharves and beaches until September 30, 2024. Strictly handle fishing vessels violating IUU, paying attention to key areas of Phan Thiet Fishing Port and La Gi Fishing Port. Resolutely handle fishing vessels that do not ensure operating conditions, especially "3 no" vessels according to the list provided by local authorities. Focus on verifying and handling fishing vessels that violate VMS regulations according to the direction of the Prime Minister...

Quickly repair La Gi fishing port infrastructure.

Regarding repair, overcoming damage, and degradation of fishing port infrastructure, dredging and clearing channels, ensuring environmental sanitation of fishing ports: The Project Management Board of Construction Investment of Agricultural and Rural Development Works urgently completed dredging the water area in front of wharf 400 CV and completed fire prevention and fighting procedures for the seafood classification house and the working house of the Executive Board of the Project to expand and upgrade the storm shelter area combined with La Gi fishing port, to hand over to the Provincial Fishing Port Management Board for use no later than September 30, 2024. The Provincial Fishing Port Management Board urgently completed the documents and procedures for the following projects: Repairing and overcoming damage and environmental pollution in the area of ​​wharf 200 - 400 CV, La Gi Fishing Port; dredging and clearing La Gi estuary; repairing the cage house for receiving and classifying seafood at Lien Huong Fishing Port...

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/nhung-nhiem-vu-trong-tam-chong-khai-thac-iuu-den-30-9-123937.html