Quang Ninh speeds up digital overhaul of fishing fleet to tackle illegal catch

Do Dinh Minh, head of the provincial Department of Seas, Islands and Fisheries, said the immediate priority was updating vessel-owner details in the national fisheries database (VnFishbase). As of June 30, 2025, personal ID information had been updated for 4,183 vessels, covering 97.7% of the fleet. This includes all vessels over 12 metres in length and 97.2% of those between 6 and 12 metres. The number of updated records has increased by 916 since the start of the year. Ninety-seven vessels remain unprocessed, mainly in Quang Yen and the former Ha Long area.

Authorities are also cleaning data by replacing old ID numbers with new citizen IDs and correcting owners’ names, addresses and phone numbers. Plans are under study to integrate vessel registration into the VNeID application and link electronic ID accounts with administrative procedures, with completion targeted before December 31, 2025.

However, officials face challenges as many vessel owners are away at sea for extended periods, making updates difficult. Some vessels have sunk or changed ownership but remain on the register. Local officials also lack experience in data management.

To address these issues, the provincial fisheries department is working with police and local governments to verify information and guide owners through registration and transfer procedures. Training is also being provided on recording catch volumes using eCDT software and VnFishbase.

The province has called for support to upgrade fisheries management software for vessel registration, catch reporting and violation penalties to ensure integration with the national database.

Quang Ninh authorities say the digital overhaul is part of efforts to build a modern, sustainable fisheries sector in line with Resolution 57-NQ/TW.

VFM