Soc Trang: Accelerates review of IUU fishing regulations
The Soc Trang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is expediting inspections of its IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing prevention measures, preparing thoroughly for the upcoming visit from the European Commission (EC) inspection team, scheduled for the fifth time.
According to the Soc Trang Fisheries Sub-Department, there are currently 803 registered fishing vessels in the province. Of these, 302 vessels are between 6m and just under 12m in length, and 156 vessels range from 12m to just under 15m.
For the 345 vessels that are 15m or longer, all have been equipped with Voyage Monitoring Systems (VMS) as required. The fisheries sector has issued 51 fisheries certificates covering a total of 1,752 tons.
Additionally, 322 fishing licenses for vessels of 15m or more have been either renewed or extended, achieving nearly 95% coverage. Efforts are ongoing to encourage the remaining vessel owners to renew their licenses.
The Fisheries Sub-Department, in conjunction with the Tran De Fishing Port Management Board (Tran De District), border patrols, and coastal localities, has rolled out an electronic seafood traceability software system. This initiative has supported 250 vessel owners and captains in downloading and installing the application and registered accounts for six certified seafood businesses.
The inspection team is focusing on verifying the monitoring systems and equipment on fishing vessels at sea, checking the promotional materials and posters at ports regarding IUU fishing regulations, and reviewing procedures for vessels docking at the port. This preparation aims to ensure the best conditions for the EC inspection team’s visit in October 2024.
Huynh Ngoc Nha, Director of the Soc Trang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that the province has been actively enhancing its IUU fishing prevention efforts. This includes reviewing and compiling data on all local fishing vessels, managing registration, inspection, and marking of vessels, issuing fishing licenses, and ensuring VMS equipment operates continuously. All vessel data is being updated into the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase).
Soc Trang is also effectively implementing Coordination Regulation No. 208/QCPH-UBND, dated January 14, 2019, with neighboring provinces to ensure that all fishing vessels from Soc Trang operating outside the province are monitored.
VFM
