These efforts have received strong backing from fishermen and those relating to fisheries activities, which is increasingly compliant with legal regulations and committed to avoiding violations in foreign waters.

The province is home to 1,974 fishing vessels measuring 15m or more, each of which is subject to mandatory journey monitoring and catch traceability requirements.

Do Hoang Phong, owner of an offshore fishing vessel pair in Ganh Hao commune, said after each sea voyage, local fishermen often gather to exchange experiences, and encourage one another to unite, provide mutual support and protect the homeland's maritime sovereignty. Particular attention is paid to avoiding operations in disputed or foreign waters.

Nguyen Van Tho, another offshore vessel owner in the same commune, noted that regular community meetings, often attended by Border Guard and local authorities, serve as platforms for open dialogue. These gatherings enable officials to address fishermen’s concerns and promote greater awareness of IUU regulations and relevant laws. As a result, no local vessels from Ganh Hao have breached foreign maritime boundaries in recent years.

Vice Chairwoman of the Ganh Hao Commune People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Dung emphasised that fisheries remain a pillar of the local economy. The strong collaboration between authorities and fishermen has been instrumental in phasing out IUU practices, paving the way toward a responsible, sustainable, and globally integrated fisheries sector.

In coordination with the Border Guard and other relevant forces, Ganh Hao authorities have ensured 100% inspection and control of fishing vessels entering and exiting ports. Vessels classified under the “three no’s” (unregistered, unlicensed, and uninspected) are strictly barred from operating at sea. Legal education campaigns are being rolled out to foster positive behavioural change among fishermen, with a focus on long-term resources sustainability.

To further boost IUU prevention and help lift the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’s seafood exports, Ca Mau is ramping up public outreach and tightening enforcement. The province has set targets to completely eliminate fishing violations in foreign waters, ensure comprehensive legal training for all fishermen, strengthen vessel monitoring, and gradually modernise fisheries management through digitalization and enhanced tracking systems.

Owners of vessels deemed high-risk are now required to sign written commitments not to breach IUU regulations, maintain up-to-date records, and cooperate with inspections. Serious or repeat violations, especially involving organized illegal fishing, will be met with strict penalties, including criminal prosecution when legally applicable.

To ensure compliance, the Chairman of the Ca Mau provincial People’s Committee has launched a province-wide inspection campaign focused on identifying, verifying, and digitising data on all vessels considered at risk of IUU infractions. Clear responsibilities have been assigned to relevant departments, sectors, and localities. Designated officials are overseeing individual vessel groups, while coordination among fisheries surveillance units, border guards, the coast guard, and local administrations is being reinforced.

Drastic measures taken to curb IUU fishing in southwestern waters

The High Command of Coast Guard Region 4 and border guards in the southernmost province of Ca Mau has been taking drastic measures to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly violations relating to vessel monitoring systems (VMS).