Da Nang’s fisheries surveillance squadron spares no effort to tackle IUU fishing
As the peak season for offshore fishing in central Vietnam approaches, the vessels of Fisheries Surveillance Squadron No. 3, based in Nui Thanh commune of Da Nang city, are working diligently at sea. They are conducting patrols and inspections to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Acting on the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 198/CD-TTg (dated October 17, 2025) and Plan No. 2310/QD-TTg on the national drive to crack down on IUU fishing and promote sustainable fisheries development, the unit has deployed vessels KN363 and KN365 to perform duties across maritime zones stretching from the national maritime boundary to 100 nautical miles east of Cu Lao Xanh/Gia Lai and 150 nautical miles east of Mui Ba Kiem/Lam Dong.
Captain Bui Duy Minh of vessel KN365 said that legal education and guidance are considered a fundamental solution in meeting the recommendations of the European Commission to lift the “yellow card” on Vietnam’s fisheries sector. Officers and crew aboard KN363 and KN365 approach fishing vessels directly at sea, distributing leaflets, using onboard loudspeakers and providing clear explanations on maritime boundaries, the obligation to maintain vessel monitoring systems and to record fishing logs, and prohibited activities.
So far, the fisheries surveillance force has inspected 113 fishing vessels, imposing administrative fines totalling nearly VND287 million (US$10,877).
Nguyen Duc Trung, a local fisherman, said the support provided by law enforcement forces at sea has helped ensure fishermen can operate safely and efficiently during offshore fishing trips.
Alongside inspections, since early 2025, the unit has presented 188 national flags to encourage fishermen as they head offshore, and has distributed 831 leaflets on IUU regulations and safety guidance for maritime operations.