Ninh Binh Implements Comprehensive Measures to Control Fishing Vessels and Prevent IUU Fishing
	Vinh Long Reviews All Fishing Vessels, Tightens IUU Control

According to Decision No. 3769/QD-UBND dated December 31, 2025, by the Chairperson of the Can Tho City People’s Committee, the city approved funding to support satellite subscription fees for VMS devices for 202 fishing vessels, with a total budget of nearly VND 560 million. This is considered a practical solution to help fishermen reduce operating costs while improving the effectiveness of fishing vessel management, toward the goal of sustainable fisheries development and ending IUU fishing.

A conference providing information and communication for fishermen on regulations against IUU fishing, fishing vessel monitoring, and policies supporting fishermen in Tran De commune, Can Tho city. (Photo: KT)

At the conference, fishermen were informed about new and existing legal regulations on combating IUU fishing; the responsibilities of vessel owners and captains in installing and maintaining the operation of VMS devices; regulations on fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; the recording and submission of electronic fishing logbooks; as well as the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT).

The Can Tho Sub-Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance reported that it has approved the list of fishing vessels eligible for support for VMS service subscription fees in 2025, with total funding of more than VND 558 million. The funds will be transferred directly to the accounts of vessel owners after the completion of required documentation. In the coming period, administrative procedures related to fishing vessels will be handled at commune-level Public Administration Centers, creating greater convenience for fishermen instead of requiring travel to the city as before.

According to the Vice Chairperson of the Tran De Commune People’s Committee Phan Ngoc Thuy, the city’s support policies have quickly been implemented in practice and have delivered clear results. To date, Tran De commune alone has about 200 fishermen’s applications approved as eligible for support for VMS device subscription fees. This is an important source of encouragement, helping fishermen reduce cost burdens so they can operate at sea with peace of mind.

Local authorities have committed to continuing to accompany fishermen and to strengthening communication and guidance so that fishermen clearly understand and strictly comply with regulations on combating IUU fishing, ensuring that violations do not occur due to a lack of information.

In addition, the conference also collected opinions on the draft Resolution stipulating levels of support for occupational conversion and vessel decommissioning for fishing vessels no longer engaged in fisheries by 2030 in Can Tho city; and the draft Resolution stipulating policies to support satellite subscription fees for fishing vessel VMS devices in the city.

Through the conference, fishermen were fully updated on legal regulations and encouraged to proactively comply strictly, while also exchanging views and reflecting difficulties and obstacles encountered during implementation so that competent agencies can promptly record, guide, and address them.

Currently, Can Tho is managing 785 fishing vessels with a total capacity of 207,390 CV, including 341 vessels with a length of 15 meters or more. By the end of 2025, the city had completed updating 100% of fishing vessel data into the national VnFishbase system and ensured that 100% of fishing vessels with a length of 15 meters or more are equipped with VMS devices, and is assessed as one of the leading localities nationwide in implementing measures to combat IUU fishing.

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