Binh Thuan: United effort against “yellow card” IUU fishing

During the conference, Nguyen Hong Hai, Vice Chairman of Binh Thuan Province People’s Committee, shared that Binh Thuan comprises 7 out of 10 coastal administrative units, with 43 communes, wards, and towns engaged in fishing activities. The province boasts 8,470 fishing vessels over 6 meters in length, employing over 50,000 individuals directly involved in fishing. Binh Thuan ranks second in the nation in terms of fishing fleet size, trailing only Kien Giang Province.

Recently, the provincial People’s Committee has rigorously implemented measures against IUU fishing as instructed by the Prime Minister. The province has acknowledged the issues identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s working group in May 2024. In response, Binh Thuan has devised a plan to address these issues, focusing on eight key tasks and 32 specific actions, with clear responsibilities assigned to various departments, local authorities, and communities.

Efforts are concentrated on improving IUU control measures at La Gi Fishing Port, upgrading infrastructure, tackling environmental pollution, and enhancing fleet management, vessel tracking, and seafood traceability via the eCDT system.

In handling “three-no” fishing vessels (no registration, no license, no equipment), provincial authorities have thoroughly reviewed, documented, and listed these vessels in each locality to ensure strict management and prevent new cases.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that despite four inspections by the European Commission (EC), Vietnam has made progress in combating IUU fishing, but more work is required. He suggested holding the Provincial Party Secretary and Chairman of the People’s Committee accountable for any rise in IUU violations in their jurisdiction.

The Prime Minister also called for tighter supervision of fishing fleets, stricter law enforcement, and comprehensive seafood traceability to achieve the goal of lifting the “Yellow Card” during the upcoming fifth EC inspection.

Government agencies and localities were urged to fully leverage Resolution No. 04/2024/NQ-HĐTP by the Council of Judges of the Supreme People’s Court to rigorously address illegal fishing in foreign waters and the illegal disconnection, transmission, or transportation of vessel tracking equipment.

VFM