Binh Thuan province makes progress in fighting IUU fishing
The south-central province of Binh Thuan found no cases of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by local farmers from July 2019 to mid-2021, heard a conference on September 24.
Nguyen Van Chien, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said local authorities have paid attention to preventing IUU fishing, particularly fishing vessels' illegal exploitation in foreign waters, over the past time.
Apart from enforcing the 2017 Law on Fisheries, Binh Thuan has drastically carried out the communication work to raise farmers’ awareness of relevant regulations, the official said.
The province has focused on implementing recommendations of the European Commission (EC) regarding the installation of Vessels Monitoring System (VMS) on boats, and supervising fishing activities at sea and ports.
Delegates at the conference discussed obstacles in combating IUU fishing, and countermeasures.
Nguyen Van Phong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said border guards need to closely coordinate with law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to verify and handle violations.
All of the targeted fishing boats must be equipped with the VMS, he requested.
