Quang Tri leveraging digital technology for sustainable marine exploitation
Keeping up with the digitalization trend, fishermen in Quang Tri have actively embraced modern technologies in seafood catching. Many are now proficient in using electronic logbooks, reporting catch locations through monitoring systems, and ensuring product traceability.
Currently, many boat owners in Cua Viet town are investing in autopilot systems for their fishing vessels. These systems typically include four main components: a high-precision electronic compass with integrated GPS (accuracy ±0.050), a 7-inch control screen with built-in data processing, a rudder angle feedback unit, and a marine-grade clutch steering wheel.
With this technology, when fishing offshore, the operator simply selects a heading or enters coordinates, and the system automatically steers the vessel along the most direct route. This not only reduces the operator’s physical workload but also cuts travel time, saves fuel, and enhances the overall efficiency of each fishing trip.
Hoang Dinh Chien, an experienced boat owner in Cua Viet, has upgraded his offshore fishing fleet with cutting-edge technology, including voyage monitoring systems that deliver continuous 24/7 signal updates, effectively eliminating communication blackouts at sea.
With this advanced system, all maritime activities are tracked and recorded in real time via mobile devices, enabling the vessel owner to optimize fishing routes. In cases of emergencies or adverse weather conditions, the system automatically transmits location signals to facilitate swift and accurate rescue operations.
Chien no longer needs to accompany his crew offshore but can remotely monitor the vessel’s position at any time. Should the boat enter restricted waters, the system immediately issues an alert.
In recent years, local fishermen have increasingly embraced modern technologies such as GPS navigation, vertical and horizontal fish finders, radar-based net management, AIS identification systems, and integrated satellite communications to boost operational efficiency and enhance safety during offshore fishing expeditions.
The adoption of digital technology and modern equipment in fisheries has significantly facilitated fishermen’s use of electronic fishing logs. Currently, the province has equipped 184 out of 187 fishing vessels measuring 15 meters or longer with vessel monitoring systems (VMS), achieving a coverage rate of 98.39%. Additionally, 100% of these vessels have uploaded their data to the national fisheries database system (VNFishbase).
This comprehensive system manages information on vessel registration, inspection, quotas, fishing licenses, fishing ports, catch logs, and seafood origin certification. When vessels dock, fishermen simply enter their vessel identification number into VNFishbase to verify the product’s origin based on their fishing journey. The system digitalizes and monitors the entire vessel operation from departure to port arrival and product handover.
The application of digital technology not only reassures Quang Tri fishermen as they go to sea but also modernizes the fishing industry, meeting integration requirements and promoting sustainable development.
VFM
