Binh Thuan in thorough preparation for the Visit of the 5th EC Inspection Team

Key Tasks Completed

Recently, various sectors and localities in the province have made significant efforts to seriously implement measures against IUU fishing and improve fishing port infrastructure. Several critical tasks have been completed with positive results, contributing to the goal of removing the IUU “yellow card” and promoting sustainable development in the fisheries sector. The province has effectively monitored high-risk fishing vessels to prevent violations in foreign waters. Nearly 99% of fishing vessels have registered and obtained fishing licenses in accordance with Circular 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT. The control of fishing vessels entering and exiting ports, as well as the implementation of the eCDT system and catch traceability, has been carried out diligently. The progress of infrastructure repairs at fishing ports is being prioritized, with some projects already underway.

Ongoing Challenges

However, some tasks have not yet met the set targets and timelines. The registration process for fishing vessels over 12 meters in length under Circular 06 is lagging. There are still many registered vessels that have not received or renewed their fishing licenses. Numerous IUU violators entering and exiting fishing ports remain unaddressed, impacting the traceability and certification of seafood products for businesses. The enforcement of administrative violations, particularly regarding fishing vessels that have lost VMS connectivity at sea, is minimal. While there has been effort in implementing projects to improve fishing port infrastructure, dredging, and addressing environmental pollution, progress has been slow.

Authorities have shown a lack of decisiveness in law enforcement and handling violations.

It is evident that, alongside the low legal compliance awareness among some fishermen, the root cause lies in the failure of certain units and individuals to seriously implement their assigned responsibilities and tasks. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have shown a lack of decisiveness in enforcing the law and addressing violations. At the IUU Steering Committee meeting for the first nine months of the year, Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Hong Hai emphasized the need to prepare conditions for the 5th EC inspection team. He urged all sectors and localities to focus on addressing the limitations and shortcomings in combating IUU fishing and fulfilling the tasks assigned by the provincial government. The primary focus remains on preventing violations in foreign waters, with a directive for the Provincial Border Guard Command, the Provincial Police, local authorities, and relevant units to strengthen the management and monitoring of high-risk fishing vessels and crew members previously detained by foreign authorities, ensuring that no fishing vessels from the province violate foreign waters.

The Fisheries Sub-Department will continue to collaborate with localities to complete the registration and licensing of fishing vessels in accordance with Circular 06 and to issue or renew licenses for registered vessels that do not have valid permits by October 2024. Localities are urged to enhance the management of fishing vessels, especially regarding the sale and transfer of boats, ensuring compliance with regulations. They are also tasked with expediting the registration of vessels over 12 meters in length. Notably, the Fisheries Sub-Department (Provincial Fishing Vessel Monitoring Center) is required to maintain a strict 24/7 watch to monitor fishing vessels operating at sea, promptly reporting any vessels that exceed boundaries or lose connectivity in accordance with established procedures and regulations. They will also track the handling of vessels showing signs of violations thoroughly.

Monitoring fishing vessels at sea through the VMS system.

Additionally, the Provincial Fishing Port Management Board is required to direct all fishing ports to fully and seriously carry out the statistics of fishing vessels entering and exiting the ports, collect catch logs, and monitor landing volumes; they must manage and store records strictly and in accordance with regulations. Regarding the difficulties related to the certification of seafood origin for businesses at Phan Thiet Fishing Port, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is tasked with coordinating with relevant sectors to work with the Provincial Fishing Port Management Board and the Phan Thiet Fishing Port Operating Board to review management measures and implement strict controls against IUU fishing for vessels engaged in fishing, purchasing, and transshipping at the port, ensuring that violations are handled seriously to guarantee a legal supply of raw materials for processing and export.

Law enforcement agencies (Border Guards, Fisheries Inspectors) are to enhance patrols, inspections, and controls at temporary docks and coastal areas, strictly addressing fishing vessels over 15 meters in length that do not dock at fishing ports, and designating vessels operating offshore to dock for unloading seafood, as well as addressing violations related to catch logs and fishing zones.

Strengthening the monitoring of situations, verifying, and strictly handling violations is crucial.

Regarding law enforcement and violation handling, the Deputy Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee has requested that law enforcement agencies intensify their monitoring efforts, verify, and strictly address violations; they must take serious action against individuals who are negligent or who assist or cover up for violators. For addressing vessels that have lost connectivity or crossed boundaries at sea, the district-level working group (Inter-Agency Task Force as per Decision No. 1608/QĐ-UBND dated August 28, 2024) is required to promptly organize inspections, verify, and thoroughly resolve cases of vessels that have lost connectivity since October 2023. The head of the Inter-Agency Task Force, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is to coordinate with relevant units to check the verification and handling processes of certain units and localities, and share the verification and handling results with the provincial police for monitoring and inspection.

Along with 28 coastal provinces and cities across the country, Binh Thuan has been affirming its efforts and determination to act in accordance with the requirements of the Government and the European Commission (EC) in controlling and combating IUU fishing. Aiming for responsible fisheries management and sustainable development, Binh Thuan strives to join the nationwide effort to soon lift the EC’s “yellow card.”