Da Nang registers 1,900 ‘three-nos’ fishing boats in crackdown on IUU Fishing
Da Nang has officially brought more than 1,900 so-called “three-nos” fishing vessels, those without registration, inspection, or licenses, under state management, marking a key advance in the city’s efforts to tighten fisheries oversight and curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to Vo Van Long, Director of the Department of Sea, Islands, and Fisheries under Da Nang’s Sub-Department of Fisheries, the city now manages 4,142 fishing vessels measuring six meters or longer, following a recent provincial merger. Among them, inshore boats account for 56.4% (2,338 vessels), nearshore boats 14.8% (614 vessels), and offshore boats 28.7% (1,190 vessels).
Authorities have completed a full inventory of the fleet. As of now, over 96.7% of vessels have obtained fishing licenses. All offshore vessels longer than 15 meters are equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and are tracked in real time during operations.
The incorporation of more than 1,900 three-nos vessels into the formal system is seen as one of the most significant developments in Da Nang’s anti-IUU efforts. Many of these boats had operated for years without any legal documentation. Their registration enhances regulatory oversight and contributes to more sustainable resource management.
Despite this progress, challenges persist. Around 135 vessels remain unlicensed. Some localities report inconsistent vessel markings that do not align with current regulations. Signal loss from VMS units, especially on squid fishing boats operating far offshore, has raised concerns over potential violations of foreign maritime boundaries.
To address these issues, the fisheries authority is coordinating with local governments to resolve licensing delays. Boats failing to meet eligibility requirements will be documented and referred to local authorities. Border control stations are being notified to prevent unlicensed vessels from departing port.
In parallel, the department is reviewing compliance with vessel marking rules, supporting fishers in meeting technical requirements, and closely monitoring boats that lose signal or cross into restricted waters. Verified violators will be subject to strict penalties.
Da Nang is also stepping up preventive measures to avoid the re-emergence of three-nos vessels. Local police are working alongside fisheries officials to detect early signs of violations and intercept vessels attempting to enter foreign waters illegally.
“We will continue to follow the city’s action plan, offering policy guidance and working closely with local sectors and fishermen to implement firm, coordinated measures,” said Vo Van Long.
He emphasized that these efforts are part of preparations for the upcoming fifth inspection by the European Commission. The goal is to have the “yellow card” warning lifted and build a responsible, modern fisheries sector that meets international standards.
VFM
