Removing IUU 'yellow card': fishing vessel registration

Registration for "3 no" fishing vessels

With the aim of implementing Decision No. 426 issued by the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local governments are actively organizing the issuance of temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels.

Long Dien district is currently spearheading this initiative. Notably, the district People's Committee has implemented temporary management for "3 no" fishing vessels since mid-February 2024. With 108 "3 no" fishing vessels measuring over 6 meters in length, the district has requested relevant authorities to thoroughly inspect and verify each vessel, ensuring an accurate knowledge of their status and operations before issuing temporary registration numbers.

Furthermore, Long Dien district currently boasts over 350 small fishing vessels, boats, and rafts measuring under 6 meters in length. These vessels operate in coastal areas, and return to shore within the day. The district People's Committee also requested the governments of three coastal regions, namely Long Hai town, Phuoc Tinh commune, and Phuoc Hung commune, to issue temporary registration numbers for these vessels.

Fisherman Vo Thanh Binh, residing in Hai Phong 1 neighborhood, Long Hai town, owns two small motorized coracles measuring under 6 meters in length. Both of his vessels have been issued with the temporary registration numbers LH-720-TS and LH-676-TS.

He expressed joy at the government's attention to issuing temporary registration numbers for his fishing coracles. These two vessels represent his years of hard work and dedication to the sea, making their official recognition exceptionally meaningful.

""In the past, without these registration numbers, there was no clear authority to report to in case of an accident, and we had to accept our losses. But now, with these temporary registration numbers, any losses or risks can be reported to the border guard for assistance, which makes search and rescue efforts easier," Mr. Binh explained.

Fisherman Trinh Cong Danh from Phuoc Huong hamlet, Phuoc Tinh commune, who owns a 7-meter long motorized vessel for nearshore fishing, was equally delighted to receive a temporary registration number.

"I have been at sea for over 20 years, and I have never had any registration number; it felt very unofficial. Now that my vessel has been granted a registration number, I feel more assured in sailing out to sea for a living," he remarked with a smile.

"Issuing temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels not only aids the district in effectively managing fisheries exploitation activities, but also assists relevant departments and agencies in monitoring and addressing violations such as IUU fishing and fishing in non-assigned areas," emphasized Mr. Tran Kim Phuc, Vice Chairman of Long Dien district.

Similarly, fishermen in Dat Do district rejoiced as they receive temporary registration numbers for their boats and vessels. Ms. Truong Thi Thanh Tuyen, residing in Phuoc Hai town, owns a 14-meter long fishing vessel, which she purchased over 10 years ago in Binh Dinh province through informal channels. As a result, she lacks the required documentation for vessel registration.

"I have returned to Binh Dinh on several occasions in hope of finding someone to complete the paperwork with little success. Without a fishing license, I could only operate my vessel near the shore, and return within the day. I always make a full report to the local authorities after each fishing trip. With this newly issued temporary registration number, I feel like I have been granted a temporary residence permit for my home. Being recognized by the local authorities inspires us to make a living by the sea," Ms. Tuyen shared.

On the other hand, Xuyen Moc district boasts the highest number of "3 no" fishing vessels in the province with 487 vessels measuring over 6 meters in length, with the majority concentrated in Binh Chau commune, totaling 442 vessels, and 419 vessels measuring under 6 meters in length.

According to the district's leadership, the issuance of temporary registration numbers facilitates the management of policies for fishermen, as well as the ability to enforce penalties for violations.

However, according to the local community's feedback, the painted temporary registration numbers can easily peel off due to collisions when hauling nets and the impact of sea waves. Fishermen were forced to re-apply the paint layer multiple times, which is time-consuming as the paint often peels off after a few days. Consequently, fishermen have suggested the local authorities to explore a different approach. "Instead painting, registration numbers could be issued on stainless steel plates securely attached to the vessel, for example, which would be more durable," suggested fisherman Hoang Van Hung from Ho Tram hamlet, Phuoc Thuan commune, Xuyen Moc district.

Strict management of "3 no" fishing vessels

According to Ba Ria - Vung Tau province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as of April 2, the province has a total of 1,081 "3 no" fishing vessels measuring over 6 meters in length, including 5 vessels measuring over 15 meters in length. Additionally, there are over 1,400 "3 no" fishing vessels measuring under 6 meters in length located in the districts of Long Dien, Dat Do, and Xuyen Moc under the management of local authorities.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thi, Deputy Director of the province's Sub-Department of Fisheries, explained that these fishing vessels, which are passed down from previous generations, cannot obtain fishing license or registration. A review conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that these fishing vessels were either locally built, passed down through generations, or purchased from outside the province without legitimate documentation, making them ineligible for registration procedures.

"These vessels typically fish near the shore, return within the day, and dock at various ports and beaches. The lack of strict supervision by local authorities and thorough inspections and control by enforcement agencies has led to the emergence of "3 no" fishing vessels operating along the coast, engaging in regular fishing activities without an appropriate response," Mr. Thi reported.

In compliance with the instructions of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang as outlined in Announcement No. 539/TB-VPCP issued by the Government Office on December 25, 2023, regarding "3 no" fishing vessels in operation, local governments must issue temporary registration numbers for monitoring and management. Accordingly, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 426/QD-UBND on February 15 to implement a plan for managing and issuing temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels in the province.

Regarding fishing vessels measuring under 6 meters in length, district-level People's Committees must direct local authorities at commune level to conduct inspections, review, compile statistics, and organize management in accordance with the Law on Fisheries. On the other hand, they must organize the issuance of temporary registration numbers for fishing vessels in each region under its jurisdiction. Regarding fishing vessels measuring over 6 meters in length, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will coordinate with district-level People's Committees to issue temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels.

Mr. Nguyen Dang Nhan, Head of Xuyen Moc district's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that the district has been issuing temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels since 2022. Notably, the district conducts annual reviews and updates the number of new fishing vessels, transactions, arrivals, departures, or decommissioned vessels due to damage. As a result, the management process is streamlined and strictly controlled, allowing local authorities to closely monitor the activities of these vessels, as well as their locations and conditions.

Despite the large number of "3 no" fishing vessels, the district did not encounter difficulties because the local authorities had previously undertaken this task. Accordingly, all local fishing vessels without legitimate documentation for registration have been assigned temporary registration numbers for management.

"We have had experience with this task in the past, so we will proceed with the schedule set by the Provincial People's Committee, despite the large number of vessels," Mr. Nhan stated.

Poor management of "3 no" fishing vessels poses a significant challenge for Ba Ria - Vung Tau province in its anti-IUU fishing efforts. Consequently, issuing temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels not only aids the province in effectively managing fisheries exploitation activities, but also assists relevant departments and agencies in monitoring and addressing violations such as IUU fishing and fishing in non-assigned areas.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien commended Ba Ria - Vung Tau's effort in issuing temporary registration numbers for "3 no" fishing vessels. This initiative effectively addresses the longstanding issues previously identified by the EC inspection team. He further expressed hope that the initiative will be recognized as a positive highlight during their upcoming inspection.