Ha Tinh: Enhanced surveillance and oversight of high-risk fishing vessels for IUU violations
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Ha Tinh has identified over 1,000 fishing vessels that are highly susceptible to breaching IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing regulations. These vessels predominantly have expired permits required by the Fisheries Law, such as fishing licenses, registrations, and food safety certificates for fishing vessels.
To execute the measures and strategies against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and to lift the European Commission (EC) “yellow card” warning on Ha Tinh, the DARD has publicly disclosed a list of these over 1,000 fishing vessels. This list has been shared with the Directorate of Fisheries, DARDs of other coastal provinces and cities, and relevant local units to coordinate inspection, monitoring, and strict enforcement on Ha Tinh fishermen’s vessels.
Following the release of this list, the Provincial Border Guard Command has instructed coastal border posts and stations to intensify inspections of fishing vessels before they leave port; strictly prohibiting vessels from departing if they do not meet the required conditions.
In addition, the People’s Committees of coastal districts and towns are tasked with monitoring and supervising the mooring locations of these vessels and identifying the reasons behind the risks; they are also directing communes, wards, and towns to boost educational campaigns and guide ship owners to adhere strictly to the regulations.
The Fisheries Sub-Department, the Management Board of Fishing Ports, and the Shelter Areas for Fishing Vessels have ramped up educational efforts, guidance, management, and enforcement according to regulations; refusing to process departure clearances for fishing vessels that pose a high risk of illegal fishing violations.
Moreover, in efforts to remove the EC’s “yellow card,” Ha Tinh’s authorities have intensified patrols, inspections, and oversight of fishing vessel activities; organizing 80 patrol missions at sea; uncovering 20 incidents involving 20 individuals and 18 fishing vessels violating IUU regulations, resulting in administrative fines totaling 316.5 million VND.
Additionally, all penalty outcomes have been diligently recorded in the software system for tracking and managing administrative violations in the fisheries sector; with summaries and reports on IUU fishing violation penalties being compiled and submitted as required.
VFM
