Ho Chi Minh City is currently deploying a rigorous timetable for the adoption of electronic logbooks on board fishing vessels.
As part of its sustained efforts to modernize the fishing industry and meet international requirements for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Ho Chi Minh City is currently deploying a rigorous timetable for the adoption of electronic logbooks on board fishing vessels.
This orientation was at the heart of a working session organised on May 26 by the Municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment, in consultation with specialized departments and coastal localities in order to define effective implementation measures in the near future.Officials from the fishing port, border guards, and representatives of the local government of Phuoc Thang district inspect fishing boats anchored in Cat Lo port. Photo: VNA.
Speaking at the meeting, Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the Municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment, specified that the implementation of this digital system must be synchronized across the entire territory before December 31, 2026. She urged local authorities to adapt these measures to the reality of fleets frequently operating outside the territorial waters of the metropolis.
Initially, the relevant units must finalize the installation of the equipment within the prescribed timeframe, with the service costs initially borne by the fishermen themselves. The report also recommended the creation of local support units to directly assist professionals and the mobilization of service providers for ongoing technical support.
The scheduling of the installation across different locations must be optimized to avoid logistical bottlenecks and ensure the coherent progress of the overall project. In collaboration with the Science and Technology Department, the selection of suppliers must guarantee certified equipment adapted to the environmental constraints of deep-sea fishing to prevent any detrimental technical malfunctions during operations at sea.Strict controls on fishing vessels are being reinforced in all affected coastal areas. Photo: VNA/CVN:VI
According to a report by Nguyen Huu Thi, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Marine Resources Monitoring Department, all vessels 12 meters or longer will be subject to this requirement according to a specific schedule. Vessels 24 meters and over must comply by July 1, 2026, followed by those between 15 and 24 meters on September 1, 2026, and finally those between 12 and 15 meters by January 1, 2027.
The municipality currently lists 2,826 vessels affected, including 2,601 fishing vessels and 225 logistics vessels, but only 54 deep-sea vessels are currently equipped with the system.
To ensure the effectiveness of the operation, the city will strengthen media communication, organize training for ship owners and captains, and upgrade the technological infrastructure of fishing ports. Suppliers approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment will ensure system integration and operational support for users.
After the mandatory deadlines, any vessel that has not installed the device will be systematically refused authorization to leave port and navigate for its fishing activities.
Local representatives requested financial support for the initial investment and subscription fees. They emphasized the need for educational support to address the difficulties some fishermen face with digital tools.
Data convergence between the three current providers remains a major challenge for simplifying administrative management. Local authorities are calling for close collaboration between developers and fishing ports to ensure ongoing technical support and meet the objectives of the sector’s digital transition. -VNA/VI
source : Vietnam
