Dak Lak Strengthens Measures to Combat Illegal, Unreported Fishing

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According to the Dak Lak Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province currently has 2,576 registered fishing vessels, nearly 100% of which hold valid fishing licenses. All vessels measuring 15 meters or more in length have been equipped with Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices and are monitored around the clock. This provides an essential basis for controlling fishing activities at sea and promptly detecting and preventing violations.

However, violations still occur in practice, including loss of VMS connectivity, fishing in unauthorized areas, and failure to maintain or properly record fishing logs. Since 2024, authorities have identified and sanctioned 119 cases of violations, indicating that compliance among a segment of fishermen remains inadequate.

To enhance the effectiveness of preventive measures, Dak Lak Province continues to implement solutions such as intensifying legal dissemination and education; promoting the application of technology in fisheries management; strengthening inspection and supervision of fishing vessels both at sea and at fishing ports; and tightening control over seafood traceability through electronic systems. The full monitoring of vessels entering and leaving ports, along with oversight of unloaded catch volumes, helps ensure transparency and minimize IUU violations.

Dong Tac Fishing Port, Dak Lak Province

The Dak Lak Provincial Police advise citizens and fishermen to raise their awareness of legal compliance in fishing activities; strictly refrain from operating illegally in foreign waters; maintain continuous operation of VMS devices without unauthorized disconnection; fully record fishing logs and report catch volumes; fish in designated areas using permitted methods and in accordance with licensing regulations; and strictly comply with all procedures when entering or leaving ports. Compliance with these regulations not only helps avoid penalties but also contributes to protecting marine resources and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for fishermen.

In the coming period, the Provincial Police will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, patrols, inspections, and control of fishing activities; promptly detect and strictly handle violations, particularly cases of deliberate or repeated offenses, as well as those involving the organization or facilitation of illegal fishing operations in foreign waters. Serious violations that meet the criteria for criminal offenses will be prosecuted in accordance with criminal law to ensure deterrence and broader prevention.

With the concerted efforts of authorities at all levels, sectors, and enforcement forces, along with improved legal awareness among citizens, the prevention, combat, and handling of IUU fishing violations in the waters of Dak Lak are expected to achieve increasingly positive results, contributing to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector while ensuring security and order at sea.

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