As a coastal locality with a strong offshore fishing, especially tuna fishing, Phu Yen ward has implemented a comprehensive range of measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming for sustainable fishery development.

Phu Yen ward currently manages one of the largest offshore fishing fleets in the eastern Dak Lak province. Before every voyage, authorities inspect fishing vessel documents, fishing licenses, the operational status of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) to ensure uninterrupted signal connectivity during their offshore time. Each inspection is carried out rigorously, doing the first “layer of control” right at the harbor.

Phu Yen Ward People’s Committee clearly assigns responsibilities to each force, reviewing the operational status, mooring location, alongside legal documents of each vessel, resolutely preventing unqualified vessels from leaving port. By July 20th, 2026, the entire ward had 269 fishing vessels registering on the National Fisheries Database System; wholly vessels were marked coupled with numbered according to regulations, all vessels measuring 15 meters or longer were equipped with VMS. Among them, 266 vessels still have valid fishing licenses; the percentage of vessels with valid technical safety certificates along with food safety certificates remained high. At Dong Tac fishing port, all ships entering while leaving the port underwent inspection and control procedures, ensuring seafood traceability.

Under the guidance of local authorities, representative of the vessel owner’s family signing commitments to comply with regulations on combating IUU fishing.

In addition to strictly managing the fishing fleet, Phu Yen ward promoted the dissemination of regulations against IUU fishing through the radio system, website, community groups, together with at Dong Tac fishing port. Vessel owners alongside captains are instructed to complete procedures before setting sail, maintain VMS, keep fishing logs, as well as comply with regulations regarding fishing zones alongside port access.

For vessels that do not meet the requirements, the Ward People’s Committee issues a notice prohibiting them from going to sea, publicly announces the list at the fishing port coupled with on the public address system; simultaneously, assigns personnel to monitor them until the ship owner completes all necessary documents. Mobile patrol teams in conjunction with control checkpoints in areas at risk of violations are also maintained to promptly detect as well as handle violations.

With over two decades of experience in the fishing industry, Mr. Dinh Van Binh, a fisherman in Phu Dong 5 neighborhood, shared: “We always abide by the law, fish exclusively in Vietnamese waters, never encroach upon foreign fishing grounds, maintain continuously operating VMS, alongside fully comply with fishing regulations. Only in this way can we ensure the long-term livelihood of fishermen.”

Comrade Nguyen Xuan Canh, Chairman of Phu Yen Ward People’s Committee, affirmed that the locality will continue to propagate coupled with encourage ship owners to sign commitments to strictly comply with legal regulations, maintain the VMS operation, abide by regulations on fishing, docking, together with traceability of seafood; as well as resolutely prevent unqualified fishing vessels from participating in fishing. It is an effort of Phu Yen ward, along with the nationwide, to implement the recommendations of the European Commission, aiming to soon lift the “yellow card” warning combined with develop a sustainable fisheries industry.

Translated by TRINH THUY