Managing the deliberate disconnection of Vessel Monitoring Systems on fishing vessels

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien issued this instruction while conducting an inspection visit on June 20 to monitor the progress of efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Da Nang City.

As per the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Da Nang City, there are now 1,188 fishing vessels in the area that are 6 meters or more in length. These vessels have a combined horsepower of 408,899. All fishing vessels that meet the criteria for engaging in fishing activities have been identified and officially recorded.

Da Nang City has successfully entered the data of 1,188 registered fishing vessels into the national fisheries database (VNFishbase), ensuring the information is current. After examining and comparing, it was found that the fishing vessel management data of the city corresponds to the data in the national VNFishbase system.

Lately, the Da Nang City Party Committee has enhanced its leadership and instructed the City People's Committee to prioritize immediate implementation. They have rapidly issued directive documents and managed operations that are appropriate for the local circumstances. This involves explicitly allocating tasks to pertinent departments, agencies, districts, organizations, and individuals in the execution of the mission to combat IUU fishing.

In addition, the city has implemented improved surveillance, supervision, and follow-up measures. It has carried out on-site inspections and allocated resources for the procurement of equipment, manpower, and operating funds. These efforts have created favorable conditions for units to effectively and punctually carry out their assigned tasks. Units frequently collaborate to surveil and deter fishing vessels engaged in unauthorized fishing activities in international waters.

In addition, the relevant agencies of Da Nang City prepare a monthly list of fishing vessels that are 6 meters or longer and are highly likely to violate IUU fishing regulations. Currently, there are 377 Da Nang vessels on this list. The list is distributed to relevant departments and areas to closely monitor and rigorously address instances where vessels seek to engage in fishing activities without the necessary documentation.

The City Border Guard forces also intensify their surveillance and rigorous oversight of fishing vessels that fail to meet the requirements for engaging in fishing activities. The border guard stations along the coast conduct comprehensive inspections and monitoring of all fishing vessels entering and leaving the docks. This ensures that every vessel possesses the necessary documentation and is fitted with travel monitoring devices.

From 2023 to June 15, the City Border Guard has conducted inspections on a total of 11,579 vessels, which included a workforce of 81,505 individuals. A total of 36 incidents have resulted in administrative penalties, amounting to fines of 281,500,000 VND, due to non-compliance with inspections conducted by the authorities.

Mr. Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, announced that after the previous inspection conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the city has instructed the appropriate departments and localities to prioritize the resolution and implementation of the inspection team's recommendations. The city has also committed to providing additional information technology equipment to streamline the operation of fishing vessels and the import and export of seafood.

"Da Nang will persist in implementing vigorous and targeted measures to combat IUU fishing. Vessels that fail to adhere to laws will be prohibited from entering or leaving Tho Quang fishing port. This measure aims to support the country's endeavor to remove the European Commission's 'yellow card'",  Mr. Chinh stated. 

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien emphasizes that the government is highly concerned about the task of removing the 'yellow card' and considers it a crucial and pressing mission. Presently, there is an urgent need to revoke the EC's 'yellow card'. Hence, Da Nang and other central coastal regions must prioritize and effectively coordinate thorough inspections to prevent IUU fishing.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien recognized the endeavors of Da Nang City in conducting inspections and surveillance of fishing vessels, as well as in tracing the source of seafood, in light of the accomplished outcomes. Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity for Da Nang to promptly rectify current deficiencies, particularly by verifying and effectively addressing instances of fishing vessels losing their journey monitoring connection for over 6 hours at sea without reporting their position, as well as those that exceed the authorized fishing boundaries.

"Due to the significant presence of non-local fishing vessels docking in Da Nang, it is imperative for the city to collaborate with other regions in order to closely supervise these vessels. Furthermore, the city is required to thoroughly examine and resolve concerns pertaining to staff, machinery, and circumstances, by providing necessary resources to enhance the administration and surveillance of fishing vessels, as well as the tracking of seafood origins in the coming times," Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stressed.