Quang Binh Province bans ‘three-no’ fishing vessels from setting sail

Previously, there were nearly 1,000 "three-no" fishing vessels in Quang Binh province, most of which were actively involved in seafood exploitation at sea, significantly affecting the management of fishing boats and efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

According to Mr. Le Ngoc Linh, Director of the Quang Binh Fisheries Sub-Department, the province has been quick to implement Circular 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT, which regulates the registration of fishing boats, certifies fishing boat registration facilities, and ensures the technical safety of the boats...

"We have worked closely with the Quang Binh Border Guard and the local governments of coastal areas to review, list, plan, and organize the registration of 'three-no' fishing vessels, while assisting the fishermen in making their boats legally compliant according to regulations," said Mr. Linh.

Through inspection and review, areas such as Bao Ninh commune (Dong Hoi City) and Canh Duong commune (Quang Trach District), which have a large number of 'three-no' vessels, have seen the Fisheries Sub-Department cooperate with local authorities to organize multiple rounds of communication and guidance for fishermen on how to complete the registration procedures for their fishing boats.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thuc (from Canh Duong commune), who had transferred a fishing vessel from another province and lacked the proper paperwork, found it difficult to register the boat. However, after being guided through the process, he completed the required paperwork in just three days and is now very pleased.

"For many years, I went to sea with a heavy heart, worrying about the boat's legality, but I had no choice but to risk it because I couldn't leave it idle on land. Now that my boat is registered, I feel relieved. Next week, my boat will depart with all the legal paperwork, so I am very confident to go back to the sea," Mr. Thuc shared.

In Bao Ninh commune, the registration process was initiated early in the villages. A team was assigned to guide the paperwork, and the schedule was arranged in a way that made the process very smooth. Mr. Dao Quang Vinh, Chairman of the Bao Ninh Farmers' Association, stated that in just about two months, over 200 fishing boats belonging to local fishermen have completed the registration procedures.

By the end of August 2024, Quang Binh had completed the registration of 765 out of 767 "three-no" fishing vessels. The registration and issuance of fishing licenses were completed for 43 boats with a length of 12 meters or more, and 722 boats with a length between 6 meters and under 12 meters.

By mid-September 2024, after reviewing local areas, an additional 58 "three-no" fishing vessels were discovered, including 16 those with a length of 15 meters or more.

The authorities continued their efforts and issued certificates of technical safety, registration, and fishing licenses for 35 fishing boats, leaving 23 "three-no" vessels still uncompliant. According to Mr. Le Ngoc Linh, the owners of these vessels have been slow to comply, despite multiple notifications and reminders. They have yet to make the necessary improvements to their vessels to meet the required technical safety standards.

Many boat owners have delayed paying taxes, which has hindered their ability to complete the boat registration process. Furthermore, they do not have electronic identification accounts, preventing them from carrying out administrative procedures on the public service system, which has prolonged the resolution of the "three-no" boats.

Currently, some localities still report the emergence of new "three-no" fishing vessels after September 15, which has delayed the resolution process. The Quang Binh Fisheries Sub-Department continues to issue certificates of technical safety, registration, and fishing licenses until the validity of Circular 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT expires.

According to Mr. Le Ngoc Linh, from January 1, 2025, any remaining "three-no" fishing vessels will be handed over to local authorities for management. The fishing gear will be removed from the boats, and they will be anchored at designated locations. Authorities will resolutely prohibit "three-no" vessels from leaving port to engage in fishing activities.