Soc Trang is urgently reviewing regulations to combat IUU fishing

According to statistics from the Soc Trang Fisheries Sub-department, the total number of registered fishing vessels in the province is 803. Among these, there are 302 vessels with a maximum length from 6m to less than 12m and 156 vessels with a maximum length from 12m to less than 15m.

For the 345 fishing vessels with a maximum length of 15m or more, 100% have been equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) as required. The fisheries sector has issued 51 certificates for 1,752 tons of seafood.

In addition, the department has renewed or extended 322 fishing licenses for vessels with a maximum length of 15m or more, achieving nearly 95%. The remaining vessels are being encouraged to renew their fishing licenses.

Moreover, the Provincial Department of Fisheries, in coordination with the Tran De Fishing Port Management Board and local border guards, has implemented an electronic seafood traceability software system. This has assisted 250 vessel owners and captains in downloading and installing the application and registering accounts for 6 certified seafood businesses.

This inspection focused on checking the monitoring systems and tracking equipment on fishing vessels operating at sea, as well as the promotional banners and posters at the port regarding IUU fishing regulations. It also reviewed the procedures when vessels dock at the port to ensure the best conditions for working with the European Commission (EC) inspection team, expected in October 2024.

Mr Huynh Ngoc Nha assessed that the local government has been actively promoting IUU fishing prevention efforts. To date, they have reviewed and registered all local fishing vessels, registered, inspected, and marked vessels, issued fishing licenses, and ensured VMS equipment operates continuously 24/7 as required. All vessel data is updated in the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase).

Soc Trang Province is also effectively implementing Coordination Regulation No. 208/QCPH-UBND, dated January 14, 2019, with neighbouring provinces to control 100% of the province’s fishing vessels operating outside the local area.