Kiên Giang Province, located in the Mekong Delta, has successfully eliminated any incursions by its fishing vessels into foreign waters since August 2024, demonstrating significant progress in the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Tireless Efforts for Sustainable Offshore Fishing Development
- Kiên Giang Determined to Lift the « Yellow Card »
- Kiên Giang Follows EC Recommendations to Combat IUU Fishing
This major advancement in the fight against IUU fishing places Kiên Giang at the heart of Vietnam’s strategy to regain the European Commission’s (EC) trust in order to lift the « yellow card » and revitalize its fishing industry.
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kiên Giang has issued licenses to 1,850 of the 2,099 fishing vessels that lacked proper documentation. Additionally, 2,653 of the 3,505 vessels over 15 meters long now use the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), ensuring sustainable and legal fishing practices. All offshore vessels are equipped with real-time satellite monitoring systems, providing 24/7 tracking.
To ensure greater transparency and combat IUU fishing effectively, Kiên Giang has allocated 3.8 billion VND (approximately 149,783 USD) to purchase subscriptions for a satellite surveillance service, enabling real-time tracking of 22,350 fishing outings.
To complement these technical measures, the authorities have implemented enhanced patrols and increased penalties for violators. In 2024, 14 cases involving 19 fishing boats that violated foreign waters were addressed. Additionally, 290 violations related to monitoring devices and 480 violations committed at sea were penalized. Fifteen investigations are ongoing, and several prosecutions have already been initiated.
Fishing Vessel Registration and Inspection
Lê Huu Toàn, the director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that the absence of violations in foreign waters for more than five months reflects both an increased awareness among fishermen and the enhanced effectiveness of the monitoring systems in place. This is crucial to preserving Vietnam’s reputation and strengthening relations with neighboring countries.
In 2024, the province’s fisheries production reached 430,820 tons, 99.04% of its target. However, this figure is slightly lower than the previous year, due to rising costs and the depletion of marine resources. Offshore vessels are operating at reduced capacity, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable resource management.
For 2025, Kiên Giang plans to intensify its efforts in combating IUU fishing, with a particular focus on preventing violations by vessels operating in foreign waters.
Local authorities aim to complete the registration and inspection of the remaining fishing vessels while reinforcing patrols. They will also coordinate with the relevant authorities in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia to carry out priority patrols along maritime borders. These efforts aim to prevent IUU fishing and protect the region’s marine resources.
Kiên Giang aims to harvest 420,300 tons of fisheries products in 2025 while applying sustainable practices and promoting the natural regeneration of marine resources.
Source: lecourrier
