 |
The Vietnamese Government has agreed to join the Agreement on Port
State Measures (PSMA) to prevent and fight IUU fishing (Photo: VNA)
The Government assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to
coordinate with relevant agencies in implementing the agreement in line with
current regulations.
Adopted by FAO member countries in 2009, the agreement took effect on June 5,
2016. It is assessed to be a turning point in the fight against law violations
in the fisheries sector.
According to the US’s Global Policy Journal website, Vietnam may become a model
for ASEAN countries in fighting IUU fishing.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued a national action plan to crack down on
IUU fishing. As part of this drive, 62 seafood companies have joined to ensure
sustainable practices.
The government has issued several decrees and directives, supplemented IUU
fishing regulations to legal documents, enforced regulations, held educational
workshops for fishermen, enhanced cooperation with coastal and island countries
to prevent IUU fishing and organized regular dialogues with the EU on efforts to
improve fisheries management.
Other measures include placing observers, many of whom are former fishing
captains, aboard commercial trawlers to monitor catches.
Additionally, fishing captains have been encouraged to keep an accurate logbook
or registry of catches for inspection or become subject to fines up to 2,000 USD
and revocation of commercial fishing licences.
Source: VNA
.jpg "Phu Quy Island starts peak tourism season")
