Dak Lak province is stepping up efforts to address shortcomings in fisheries management identified during an inspection by an inter-agency delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), as part of efforts to remove the IUU “yellow card”.

Tightening fleet management

Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has been identified as a long-term priority closely linked to sustainable fisheries development coupled with fishermen’s livelihoods.

Following the inspection, the MAE inter-agency inspection team acknowledged the provincial efforts in recent times. As of July 23, the province had registered 2,596 fishing vessels measuring 6 metres or more with all vessels updated on the VNFishbase system, cross-checked, digitised and synchronised with population data. Vessel marking along with registration number lettering have also been implemented across the entire fleet.

Fishermen in Xuan Dai ward receiving information from the Border Guard officers on IUU fishing prevention regulations.

Of these, 691 fishing vessels measuring 15 metres or more are equipped with and are operating vessel monitoring system (VMS) as required. Monitoring operations are maintained to promptly detect vessels that lose connectivity or show signs of crossing permitted fishing boundaries, enabling timely warnings combined with coordinated action.

According to Mr. Dinh Van Binh, a fishing vessel owner in Phu Yen ward, he and numerous other fishermen strongly support regulations on combating IUU fishing, as compliance not only makes the fishing industry more transparent but also contributes to protecting fishermen’s livelihoods in the long term.

At fishing ports, declarations, fishing log submissions, catch monitoring and certification of fishery product origins are strictly enforced, while traceability is being strengthened. As of July 25, the province had issued 90 certificates of origin for caught fishery products, covering a total output of more than 2,575 tonnes.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thai Hoa, Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Agriculture and Environment, efforts to combat IUU fishing have consistently received attention along with direction from the Provincial Party Committee and PPC, alongside coordination among departments, sectors together with localities. Notably, Dak Lak has completed all 16 tasks assigned under Dispatch No. 34/CĐ-TTg.

Identifying groups of vessels showing abnormal signs

During the recent inspection, several shortcomings in IUU fishing prevention and control were also identified, as well as the province is focusing on addressing them.

Regarding the 10 fishing vessels that do not meet the required conditions, the province has requested a review to determine their mooring locations, maintain regular monitoring and prevent them from fishing until all required procedures have been completed. Mr. Nguyen Thai Thinh, Vice Chairman of the Phu Yen ward People’s Committee, said that two of the 10 vessels not currently eligible to operate belong to the locality. Following guidance coupled with support, one vessel has completed its licensing procedures and is now eligible to fish, while the other is being monitored at Dong Tac Fishing Port and has not been permitted to go offshore.

Border Guard officers inspecting required documents and procedures before fishing vessels leave port.

In particular, the province has instructed competent forces to identify vessels displaying abnormal patterns, such as remaining at sea for several days and entering ports several times without any recorded catch. Their voyages will be monitored, VMS data cross-checked against fishing logs, alongside physical inspections conducted when the vessels enter port to clarify the reasons.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment affirmed that Dak Lak will continue intensifying IUU prevention, focusing on reviewing remaining shortcomings and urgently implementing appropriate solutions, while clearly assigning responsibilities to each sector and agency.

To further improve effectiveness, the province has proposed that the central government continue providing technique guidance and training, alongside investing in fisheries infrastructure, thereby strengthening capacity for IUU fishing management and enforcement.

Translated by KHUONG THAO