Ha Tinh accelerates digital transformation in fisheries management
Ha Tinh province is expanding the use of Vietnam’s eCDT VN electronic traceability system to manage fishing activities, part of efforts to improve oversight and lift the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning for illegal fishing.
At Cua Sot fishing port in Thach Kim commune, Thach Ha district, many fishermen, including Ngo Van Tien, captain of vessel HT 90219-TS, have become accustomed to declaring port arrivals and departures on their smartphones.
“At first we were confused, but after a few guided sessions it turned out to be very convenient and time-saving,” Tien said.
More and more local fishermen are shifting from paper forms to electronic declarations. To support this transition, the Ha Tinh Fisheries Port Management and Storm Shelter Authority has organized multiple training sessions on eCDT VN, covering tasks such as port entry/exit declarations, catch logbooks, production reports, and certification requests.
The eCDT VN system, rolled out nationwide by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in early 2024, aims to improve catch monitoring and traceability, key requirements to lift the European Commission’s “yellow card” for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In Ha Tinh, nearly 4,000 user accounts have been issued to fishing vessels and management units. About 70% of boats landing at designated ports now file electronic declarations. The system enables fishermen to submit transparent, timely information while making it easier for authorities to coordinate, track vessel movements, compile statistics, and detect IUU violations early.
However, implementation faces challenges. Many fishermen currently use the app only for port entry and exit requests, while critical features like catch logbooks remain underused. Limited tech skills, lack of suitable devices, and reluctance to shift from paper-based methods are major barriers. Offshore fishing conditions, humidity-damaged devices, and poor Internet connectivity also complicate data updates.
“We need more time to get familiar with it and the means to invest in smartphones that can run the app,” said fisherman Tran Van Tuan from Cam Xuyen district.
To address these issues, the Ha Tinh Sub-Department of Fisheries has intensified training since early 2025, sending staff to directly support fishermen, vessel owners, and businesses at designated ports. Training not only focuses on using the software but also on raising awareness about the importance of traceability for sustainable fisheries development.
Nguyen Huu Toan, head of the Fisheries Management Division at the sub-department, described eCDT adoption as a vital step toward lifting the yellow card, enhancing state management, and supporting fishermen. The province plans to expand training, strengthen support for fishermen, and propose solutions to overcome current limitations to improve system effectiveness.
The rollout of eCDT is seen not only as an urgent response to the IUU yellow card but also as a crucial move to modernize fisheries management in Ha Tinh, promoting greater transparency and adding value to local seafood products.
VFM
