In response to the urgent need to address existing shortcomings and work toward the removal of the European Commission (EC) “yellow card” warning, the Dak Lak provincial Border Guard Command has implemented a range of coordinated measures along the coastal areas.

Tightening control at sea

Implementing directives of the PPC on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Dak Lak provincial Border Guard Command has assigned tasks to border guard stations along the coast while developing a detailed plan to prepare for fifth inspection by the EC delegation.

Inspection and control of vessel registration, fishing logbooks and vessel monitoring system equipment have been strictly enforced to ensure fishing vessels are closely managed from departure to their return to port.

Vessel owners and captains being briefed by border guard forces on measures to combat IUU fishing.

At sea, the Border Guard Squadron maintains regular patrols and controls at the entrances to key fishing ports such as Dong Tac, Phu Lac, Tien Chau and Dan Phuoc. Along the shore, border guard stations coordinate closely with local authorities and relevant agencies to monitor fishing vessels while they are still moored at port. Vessels that do not meet fishing requirements are listed, assigned designated anchoring areas and placed under the direct supervision by officers. Simultaneously, border guard forces have intensified inspections of out-of-province fishing vessels temporarily anchoring at river mouths, estuaries and fishing ports in the area.

To ensure thorough preparation for the EC inspection, the provincial Border Guard Command has also assigned additional officers to key units to inspect the rectification of shortcomings and the completion of documentation at border guard control stations as well as fishing ports. The force is also coordinating with relevant agencies to review issues related to the confirmation and certification of seafood origin, thereby strengthening transparency in the management of fishing activities.

Promoting communication and outreach

Alongside patrol and control duties, the Dak Lak provincial Border Guard force considers public communication a key measure to raise fishermen’s awareness of compliance with fisheries regulations.

Border guard stations along the coast have coordinated with relevant agencies to organise meetings and direct outreach activities with vessel owners and captains. The content focuses on regulations on combating IUU fishing, the responsibilities of vessel owners when operating at sea, and the consequences of encroaching into foreign waters.

Hoa Hiep Nam Border Guard Station inspecting required documents before fishing vessels depart for sea.

During the peak campaign period, after one month of implementation, the border guard force provided guidance on IUU prevention to 2,334 vessel owners and captains. Simultaneously, 457 written commitments to comply with legal fishing regulations were signed. In addition, units issued notices to 442 fishing vessels operating near maritime boundaries, requiring them not to cross into foreign waters.

According to fisherman Tran Van Nha from Hoa Hiep ward, border guard forces and local authorities regularly meet with fishermen to disseminate regulations and penalties related to IUU violations. As a result, fishermen have become increasingly aware that strict compliance with regulations while fishing at sea not only helps safeguard the reputation of Vietnam’s fisheries sector but also ensures their own long-term livelihoods.

Translated by KHUONG THAO