Quang Binh moves to prevent illegal, unreported fishing

In September 2017, the EC issued a yellow card warning Vietnam for failing to progress in fighting IUU fishing. The EC also proposed nine recommendations that Vietnam should implement. The "yellow card" is followed by a "green card" if the problem is resolved or a "red card" if it isn’t. A “red card” can lead to a trade ban on fishery products.

The EU will assess Vietnam’s efforts to fight IUU fishing in April.

Quang Binh’s plan aims to trace the origin of seafood products towards preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

Accordingly, all fishing vessels will be subject to paper examination upon leaving wharves, especially ones suspected of fishing in foreign waters and docking in Gianh and Nhat Le river ports. 

At least 20 percent of tuna output and 5 percent of seafood products ashore will undergo inspections as recommended by the EC. 

Apart from inspecting and preventing violations at sea, the plan also targets vessels at high risk of illegal fishing, using explosives and toxics, and potentially damage fishermen’ lives and assets. 

Ho Dang Chien, Chairman of the Duc Trach communal People’s Committee, Bo Trach district, said the locality is home to the largest number of offshore fishing vessels so it is necessary to raise public awareness of the value of fishery resources for export to improve exploitation efficiency. 

Permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Quang pledged to attach importance to signing agreements with fishermen to strictly deal with violations, closely monitoring fishing vehicles and fishermen’s activities. 

The province will also promptly establish a representative office to inspect and monitor fisheries activities, strengthen inspection in river mouths, provide optimal support for fishermen and launch a fishery database.-