Mobilizing a patrol vessel team to combat IUU fishing

This is a specific action of the Border Guard Command aimed at enhancing the implementation of the high-level plan to prevent and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Colonel Dao Xuan Anh, the Party Secretary of the Border Guard Command of the province, stated that on the first day of deployment, the task force on the patrol boats conducted inspections and disseminated information, reminding vessels entering and operating in river mouths, shoals, coastal areas, and offshore areas of the province.

"The forces distributed documents, leaflets, guidelines, and disseminated information to fishermen about the legal regulations in IUU fishing prevention and control, as well as the impact of the EC's 'yellow card' on seafood import and export...", Colonel Anh provided.

Additionally, the fishermen promptly informed the Border Guard forces and relevant authorities when detecting violations of IUU fishing regulations. Subsequently, the violator's vessels were intercepted and brought ashore for investigation and handling. Through inspection activities, it was found that the fishing vessels generally had complete documents as required and operated within the regulations of the fishing industry.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, stated that from August 2022 to the present, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has not had any cases of violations of foreign fishing grounds resulting in detention and prosecution by foreign authorities.

By now, the province has completed the review of all registered fishing vessels, updating 100% of them in the national fishing vessel database. The total number of fishing vessels in the province is currently 4,479, of which 2,730 vessels (accounting for 60.95%) operate offshore. These vessels must ensure registration, certification, fishing licenses, and VSTP safety, and have fully installed voyage monitoring devices before departing.

Since the 4th inspection by the EC inspection team in October 2023, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has handled 55 cases involving 59 violations of IUU fishing. The total amount of fines imposed exceeds VND 1,343 billion. Specifically, for vessels found to have violated by disconnecting their monitoring devices, the competent authorities have investigated and resolved 172 cases conclusively, and are continuing to investigate and handle 20 cases.