Thanh Hoa Reports No Fishing Vessels Losing VMS Connection
	Quang Tri Border Guards Tighten Fishing Vessel Control to Prevent IUU

According to the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, as of the end of 2025, the province had 1,510 fishing vessels. To date, 904 vessels have installed Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) equipment, achieving a 100% compliance rate among vessels required to install the system. Thirty vessels have not yet installed VMS devices.

Authorities have identified and recorded the list, location, and anchoring coordinates of all vessels without VMS, ensuring close monitoring. In addition, 100% of fishing vessels currently in operation are required to record their departures and arrivals through the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system (eCDT).

Dong Thap Province steps up strict management of its fishing fleet. (Photo: Dong Thap Newspaper)

Since 2024, Dong Thap has reported no cases of local fishing vessels violating foreign waters. Vessel owners’ awareness of compliance has improved significantly. Instances of vessels losing VMS signal for over six hours or more than 10 days, as well as cases of boundary violations, have decreased markedly compared to the same period in previous years. Notably, no vessels have been found fishing illegally in foreign waters. Overall, Dong Thap has effectively implemented the European Commission’s recommendations.

To fulfill its assigned tasks, on February 27, 2026, the People’s Committee of Dong Thap Province issued Official Dispatch No. 570, calling for intensified inspection and oversight of anti-IUU fishing measures across the province.

Accordingly, the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee has directed heads of relevant agencies, units, and local authorities to urgently review all assigned tasks related to combating IUU fishing and to ensure full, timely, and rigorous implementation.

They will bear full responsibility before the Chairman if delays or failures in fulfilling assigned duties negatively affect national efforts to remove the “yellow card” warning.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment has been assigned to take the lead, in coordination with relevant agencies and local authorities, in conducting a comprehensive inspection campaign on anti-IUU fishing efforts throughout the province.

At the same time, the department will coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade, the Department of Justice, the Provincial Inspectorate, and other relevant units to report the results of this intensive inspection and oversight campaign.

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