Can Th launches 44-day IUU crackdown, tightens control on all fishing vessels
Can Tho city has kicked off a 44-day campaign (Aug. 18–Sept. 30, 2025) to step up patrols, inspections, and monitoring against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Colonel Pham Le Xuan Binh, Commander of the Can Tho Border Guard, said authorities will strictly check 100% of vessels before departure and upon arrival at port. Boats without valid licenses, expired registrations, or missing/disabled vessel monitoring systems (VMS) will be barred from going to sea.
All vessels 15 meters and above must be equipped with VMS, while those from 6 meters upwards will be documented and closely monitored, particularly high-risk groups prone to cross-border violations.
The campaign also includes intensified outreach to fishermen, ensuring every vessel departs with proper documents, safety equipment, and duly completed logbooks. Local border guard units have signed performance pledges and distributed national flags, portraits of President Ho Chi Minh, first aid kits, and IUU awareness leaflets to fishing communities.
According to Quach Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of Can Tho’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, the initiative represents the city’s strong commitment to joining national efforts in removing the European Commission’s “yellow card.” Can Tho aims to prevent any local vessel from infringing foreign waters through 2025, and to have all vessel owners and captains sign pledges to “say no to IUU fishing.”
VFM
