Authorities in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta are stepping up efforts to curb destructive fishing practices as the use of electric shocks, chemicals and illegal fishing gear continues to threaten aquatic resources across the region.
Illegal methods persist
In the Dong Thap Muoi area of Tay Ninh province, now entering the peak fishing season, authorities say some residents still use undersized nets or electric shock devices to catch fish along canal systems in communes such as Tuyen Binh, Tan Hung and Vinh Hung.
Local police have increased patrols to address the problem. Since the start of the flood season, officers in Vinh Hung commune have confiscated and destroyed three electric shock devices and 24 illegal fishing traps, according to Lieutenant Colonel Doan Chi Hai, head of the commune police. However, offenders often operate at night to evade detection.
Similar violations have been reported in Dong Thap province, where the use of explosives, electric shock and toxic substances has long posed a serious threat to fish stocks. Recently, police in Tan Phuoc 1 commune caught two individuals using electric shock equipment to catch fish, seizing batteries, shock generators, electric nets, a composite boat and a gasoline engine.
Authorities say the practice is also common in Ca Mau, An Giang, Vinh Long and Can Tho. In parts of the Dong Thap Muoi region, about 165 individuals have been identified as suspected illegal electric-fishing operators.
In Ca Mau’s U Minh area, once known for its abundant freshwater fish, stocks have declined sharply after years of overexploitation. Some farmers want to restore natural fish populations but remain concerned about theft and destructive fishing methods that capture both adult fish and juveniles.
Stronger enforcement measures
Phan Van Minh, deputy head of the staff division of Dong Thap provincial police, said the use of electric shock devices to catch fish is widespread during the flood season and poses serious risks to ecosystems and public safety.
The provincial agriculture and environment department said authorities have launched inspections targeting the transport, storage and use of banned fishing gear while intensifying public awareness campaigns to encourage communities to protect aquatic resources.
In Ca Mau province, authorities have implemented a series of measures to curb destructive fishing. Since 2024, enforcement agencies have persuaded residents to surrender more than 3,430 electric shock devices and destroyed 1,210 of them. Around 177,000 households have signed commitments not to use destructive fishing methods.
Authorities have also handled 1,320 violations, imposing fines totaling more than 5.6 billion Vietnamese dong (USD 220,000), and prosecuted 12 criminal cases related to the destruction of aquatic resources.
To Hoai Phuong, director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the province will continue to strengthen patrols and coordinate with local authorities to prevent destructive fishing, while encouraging residents to hand over illegal equipment and comply with regulations aimed at protecting natural fish stocks.
VFM
