For more than seven years, central and local authorities in coastal regions have implemented numerous measures to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. These efforts not only aim to lift the « yellow card » imposed on Vietnam’s fisheries sector by the European Union but also to promote sustainable development within the industry.
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Fisheries play a vital role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development and maritime sovereignty. Through innovative awareness campaigns and strict management, coastal communities are supporting fishermen in transitioning towards professional practices that comply with international standards.
Currently, Vietnam has over 84,700 fishing vessels, including 28,800 longer than 15 meters. According to regulations, these vessels must be equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and maintain uninterrupted connectivity. While some fishermen previously resisted these requirements, the current installation rate for active vessels has reached 100%. Some owners have even opted to install two or three VMS devices from different providers to avoid connectivity interruptions at sea.
Chu Quốc Nam, Deputy Head of Nghệ An’s Fisheries Department, noted that many local fishermen have equipped their vessels with devices from two different operators to meet compliance standards. As of late October 2024, 416 vessels in the province were fitted with two VMS devices, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring at sea.
Pham Van Bac, owner of a 23-meter vessel based in Hoàng Mai, Nghệ An, shared: « After being penalized for a signal loss, I decided to equip my boat with two VMS devices. Although the monthly subscription cost is high, about 500,000 dong, it allows me to comply with the law and navigate with peace of mind. »
Economic Benefits and Sustainability
The installation of these systems comes with tangible economic advantages. Luong Hồng Hải, a fisherman from Hà Tĩnh, highlighted that adhering to administrative procedures and ensuring transparency in fishing zones improves product quality and traceability, increasing their market value. “This year, income from squid fishing doubled, exceeding one billion dong. Marine resources also appear to be regenerating,” he explained.
In the coastal district of Kỳ Anh, Hà Tĩnh province, local authorities have introduced a « flexible awareness model, » encouraging communities to abandon illegal fishing practices. This model combines education, regular patrols, and strict enforcement of regulations. Since its implementation, illegal fishing practices have declined, and previously scarce marine resources are regenerating.
Nguyễn Đức Thiên, a border guard officer in Kỳ Khang, stated: “We have intensified efforts to assist fishermen, provide them with tools to handle emergencies, and ensure their activities comply with national and international laws.” In addition to participating in search and rescue operations, the unit regularly supports fishermen in building their capacity to proactively address natural disasters and maritime incidents.
Thanks to adherence to sustainable fishing practices, various marine species such as shrimp, crabs, fish, and migratory squid have recently reappeared in the fishing zones of Kỳ Anh’s coastal communes. As a result, third-quarter production increased by 20% compared to the same period in 2023.
Source: lecourrier
