Focusing on removing the IUU 'yellow card', Central provinces strengthen control of fishing vessels

In Da Nang City, Tho Quang fishing port and harbor is the destination for fishermen from the central provinces. Every day, this place receives dozens of fishing boats arriving and departing with about 150 tons of seafood per day.

The work of controlling fishing vessels entering ports and monitoring output through ports is strictly implemented. In particular, the Da Nang City Fisheries Control Representative Office was established, including representatives of the Department of Fisheries, Border Guard, and Tho Quang Fishing Port and Wharf Management Board. This agency inspects and controls fishing vessels 24/7 and guides and supports fishermen in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Up to now, in Da Nang City alone, 576/594 ships with a length of 15m or more have installed voyage monitoring devices according to regulations. The remaining ships have not yet installed them for reasons such as temporarily suspending operations, or are in the process of registering for monitoring devices...

At Tho Quang fishing port, not only Da Nang ships but also a large number of ships from other provinces arrive. Each time a ship arrives, the authorities carefully inspect it. If a ship is found to be illegally fishing, not reporting, or not following regulations, it will be strictly punished.

Mr. Dang Duy Hai, Deputy Head of the Department of Fisheries of Da Nang City, said that from the beginning of 2023 until now, the unit has coordinated with relevant units to inspect and administratively sanction 53 cases of fishing vessels violating regulations, focusing on errors such as loss of connection, fishing in the wrong area...

Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City Le Trung Chinh has also directed relevant sectors and localities to seriously carry out tasks to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The city's leaders requested to step up communication, propaganda, training, and dissemination of the Fisheries Law and guiding documents, regulations, and key solutions to combat IUU fishing.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Da Nang is assigned to preside over the general inspection of the current status of fishing vessels with a maximum length of 12m or more (inshore and offshore areas) that do not meet the conditions for fishing activities. In particular, it is necessary to ensure monitoring and supervision of fishing vessel activities. Relevant sectors guide and require fishing vessel owners to strictly comply with legal regulations on fishing vessel management, or carry out procedures to deregister fishing vessels. Inspect and examine specialized enterprises in the city that import raw aquatic products for processing and export to the European market...

Meanwhile, Binh Dinh is one of the provinces with a very large number of offshore fishing vessels. This province is strengthening solutions to completely tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Binh Dinh province currently has 5,651 registered fishing vessels with a length of 6m or more. Of these, 1,425 are in coastal areas, 931 are in offshore areas, and 3,292 are in offshore areas. Up to now, the province has licensed 4,924/5,651 fishing vessels, accounting for 87.1% of the total number of registered fishing vessels.

Currently, 3,258/3,292 fishing vessels (accounting for 98.97%) with a length of 15m or more have been equipped with voyage monitoring devices as prescribed. The remaining 34 fishing vessels are damaged, lying on shore, and not operating.

Quy Nhon fishing port is one of the major fishing ports in Binh Dinh province. Every day, this fishing port has more than 850 ships departing and leaving the port. All ships over 15m in length entering and leaving Quy Nhon fishing port are specifically and closely inspected by Mui Tan Border Control Station, Quy Nhon Port Border Guard Station, and Binh Dinh Provincial Border Guard Command for their voyage monitoring equipment and related documents before entering and leaving the port.

Binh Dinh province regularly organizes inspections of fishing vessels operating in these provinces, and signs coordination regulations with other provinces in the management of fishing vessels operating at sea.

Senior Lieutenant Tran Dang Binh Dat, Head of Mui Tan Border Control Station, said that through the journey monitoring system, the authorities can know 100% of vehicles of 15m or more are operating in which area. From there, they can control and support the vehicles when necessary.

Mr. Tran Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Binh Dinh province, informed that up to now, the province has organized 5 working groups to meet with fishermen whose fishing boats regularly move to fishing grounds in the southern provinces to propagate and mobilize fishermen to sign a commitment not to violate foreign waters.

Ho Giap - Diem Phuc

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tap-trung-go-the-vang-iuu-cac-tinh-mien-trung-tang-cuong-kiem-soat-tau-ca-2189576.html