Quang Binh anticipates the establishment of a local fisheries surveillance force

Quang Binh province boasts an extensive coastline of over 116 kilometers and is home to a fleet of more than 5,000 vessels. But in terms of state management, there is only a team of three specialized members, operating on the VN-94429-KN vessel with two speedboats. Plus the two officers working on shore, the team only amounts to a total personnel of 5 people. 

To be ‘left behind' is the most worrisome thing

Le Van Thao, Deputy Head of the Administrative Office and Inspector of Quang Binh Sub-department of Fisheries, has assumed the position of leader of the sea patrol team. This is not the first time that Thao has taken on this role.

On multiple occasions, I have accompanied the specialized inspector team of the Subdepartment of Fisheries on their sea patrols. On an iron ship with the identification number VN-94429-KN, we embarked on a voyage. Since 1999, the specialized ship with a capacity of almost 380 CVs has been in operation. During that period, the vessel was painted in white paint, serving as a representation of peace for fishing boats and their crew to adhere to regulations. This also instilled a sense of anxiety in any vessels that may have considered violating the rules.

After two decades of fighting the rough seas, the ship was severely downgraded. The white steed of the marine patrol appeared to have aged, with dark rust stains or red around the image. The once majestic vessel now serves as a mere symbol, having lost its capacity to navigate the open seas.

Throughout the night, the inspector team was closely monitoring a sea patrol on board the VN-94429-KN vessel, which I had the opportunity to accompany. During a recent trip, a chase on the sea was witnessed. During a routine patrol, a pair of trawlers were discovered by the patrol team. The team proceeded to approach the vessels to conduct a check. Two ships revved their engines and created white waves as they waited for the arrival of the VN-94429-KN just a few meters away.

The vehicle with the license plate VN-94429-KN reached its maximum speed. The longer the pursuit, the greater the distance.

To overcome their weakness, the patrol force has implemented a new strategy. Fishermen are reportedly leaving at night to avoid detection by "granaries" who purchase fish on the shore and allegedly tip off trawlers for the coming check. Upon the discovery of an approaching ship, the VN-94429-KN vessel promptly shut off its engine and deployed a canoe to transport inspectors to the trawler for a thorough inspection of the vehicle.

In a dramatic turn of incidents, the fishermen fought back after their attempts to run were unsuccessful. A fisherman aboard a fishing vessel reportedly held a weapon in an attack against a patrol force.

From a distance, the VN-94429-KN appears tiny in comparison to the large fishing vessels used by fishermen. The fisheries surveillance force has been relying solely on a speedboat for its operations up to this point. According to Thao, the VN-94429-KN train is currently experiencing a decrease in speed and an increase in fuel costs, making each trip more challenging. Due to the limited capacity of the speedboat, which can only accommodate 7-10 individuals, travelers are forced to endure cramped conditions, ultimately restricting their range of activities. In addition, due to its nature as a boat, cooking on board is not possible, so they need to bring along cold food for midday meals.

The team's patrol plan was limited to the early hours of the morning due to boat patrolling. They were unable to stay overnight at sea and had to return in the afternoon. The decrease in the efficiency of patrolling has also been noticed.

The inspection force of Quang Binh Fisheries Sub-Department has shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges as they braved the sea to communicate with and mobilize fishermen to adhere to the Law on Fisheries. Their goal is to work together to eliminate the "yellow card" and improve the fishing industry.

Over this year, the local authorities have been actively patrolling the waters, successfully detecting and recording over 50 cases of fishing boat violations. These violations have resulted in fines totaling over 800 million VND. The Sub-department has recently decided to impose sanctions on 29 cases, with a total amount exceeding 500 million VND. The preparation of dossiers for processing is ongoing for the remaining cases.

The Inspector has expressed a desire for additional funding to improve and maintain the VN-94429-KN vessel. This would enable the Inspector and crew to effectively maintain security at sea and aid in the effort to remove the yellow card associated with IUU activities.

Fisheries surveillance project is 'on paper'

The inspectors of Quang Binh Sub-Department of Fisheries have successfully put an end to the issue of trawlers from outside the province violating the coastal waters of Quang Binh through their constant efforts.

In the attempt to have the IUU "yellow card" lifted, experts have suggested that Quang Binh must prioritize investing in human resources and establishing a robust task force to effectively combat illegal fishing and ensure maritime security and order. This point of view has been echoed by many who are committed to eradicating IUU practices.

The Quang Binh Sub-Department of Fisheries, led by Le Ngoc Linh, has recommended that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development finalize plans for the setting up of a fisheries surveillance team, which will operate under the guidance of the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. After a series of meetings and discussions, Quang Binh province has decided to establish a Fisheries Surveillance Board, which will operate under the Quang Binh Fisheries Sub-Department. The Quang Binh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has been tasked with organizing its current workforce in the industry, rather than seeking out additional personnel.

The Quang Binh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development appears to be facing a challenging situation. The Director of Quang Binh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Mai Van Minh, has stated that the department is facing a shortage of staff in its affiliated units, making it challenging to move personnel from one area to another. The addition of personnel to the Fisheries Surveillance force is expected to come with additional requirements that align with the duties and responsibilities of the role.

The implementation of a fisheries surveillance system policy is proving to be a challenging task due to the shortage of personnel and resources required to make it active. Quang Binh province has recently declared that it will halt the hiring of civil servants until the conclusion of 2026. The call to lift the IUU yellow card is gaining momentum, prompting Quang Binh province to establish suitable measures to enable the entire nation to overcome it shortly.