Continuing to intensify efforts against illegal, unreported as well as unregulated (IUU) fishing, Dak Lak province is mobilising all available resources to tighten management over its fishing fleet, strictly control the traceability of seafood products while resolutely handling violations, demonstrating a determination to implement measures in a substantive and thorough manner free from formalism or superficial compliance, thereby effectively addressing the issue of IUU fishing.

Tightening the management of fishing vessels

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, as of 28 February 2026, the province recorded 2,575 fishing vessels registered in the national fisheries database. Among these, 2,555 vessels retained valid fishing licences, representing 99.22%. In particular, within the category of vessels measuring 15 metres or more in length, 99.71% remained within the validity period of their exploitation licences, while 100% in this group had installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS) in line with regulatory requirements. Boats that have yet to meet the necessary conditions have been placed under strict supervision, with the provincial administration assigning People’s Committees at commune and ward level responsibility for monitoring and oversight, ensuring that no fishing operations occur prior to the completion of all required procedures.

Fishermen bringing ashore ocean-caught tuna.

At fishing ports, traceability management is considered a crucial “link in the chain”. Since early 2024, every fishing vessel entering or leaving port has undergone inspection. A total of 713 vessel movements have completed port entry and departure procedures via the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT). The quantity of seafood unloaded at ports is documented and archived daily, while information from fishing logbooks is cross-checked against vessels’ offshore routes via the vessel monitoring system (VMS), thereby ensuring transparency as well as regulatory compliance.

A representative from the Dong Tac Fishing Port Management Board stated: “We do not certify the origin if the documentation is incomplete or the data do not correspond. Every export consignment must ensure traceability from the harvesting stage through the processing phase”.

At the grassroots level, the role played by authorities across coastal communes and wards has been strongly emphasised. Chairman of the People’s Committee in Tuy An Dong Commune, comrade Tran Van Bien, said that the locality does not simply leave the task entirely to specialised forces; instead, it directly takes part in directing the work, assigning officials to oversee each vessel group and maintain a clear understanding regarding their legal status as well as mooring locations. Vessels failing to meet the required conditions are strictly prohibited from putting out to sea. The commune-level administration bears responsibility before provincial authorities and cannot rely on general or vague statements.

Resolutely handling violating fishing boats

At a recent meeting reviewing efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, comrade Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, delivered firm directives. Comrade emphasised: “Efforts to combat IUU fishing have received the provincial attention for many years. However, this inspection carries particular significance as the European Commission (EC) has selected only several localities for evaluation. Therefore, the level of focus must be greater, more specific and more resolute. Authorities must conduct a comprehensive review of all existing shortcomings, compile a clear list of issues requiring rectification, identify the responsible leading units, set specific deadlines for completion and monitor progress on a daily basis. General statements are unacceptable”.

The People’s Committee of Tuy An Dong commune disseminating information to fishermen on combating IUU fishing.

The overarching spirit required is honesty and a constructive attitude, with absolutely no formalistic preparation of documents, no false declarations and no attempts to merely cope with inspections. Any shortcomings must be candidly acknowledged and proactively addressed. Regarding serious violations, the provincial stance is to handle them thoroughly. Cases containing sufficient elements constituting a criminal offence will be prosecuted in accordance with regulations, without leniency or delay. “Where violations occur, they must be dealt with there; the head of the unit must bear responsibility”, the Secretary of the Dak Lak Provincial Party Committee stressed.

From the perspective of law-enforcement agencies, Colonel Vo Duy Tuan, Deputy Director at the Provincial Police, stated: “In compliance with directives issued by the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security, the provincial police have instructed police units across 12 coastal communes and wards to work closely alongside border guard forces as well as other relevant agencies in conducting inspections and supervisory activities, while also carrying out temporary-absence registration procedures for vessel owners, particularly those operating offshore fishing vessels”.

In practice, developments over recent times indicate that numerous cases involving vessels losing connection with the vessel monitoring system (VMS) or crossing permitted maritime boundaries have been detected and handled in line with prevailing regulations. Nevertheless, the primary objective extends beyond addressing individual violations; it is aimed at establishing long-term discipline within the fisheries sector, thereby preventing such offences from recurring.

Translated by HAI LOAN