Initial Effectiveness of IUU-related Models

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Fishermen in agreement, local authorities provide support

After administrative consolidation, Lam Dong province now has a vast sea area and is one of the country’s four major fishing grounds. Lam Dong ranks second nationwide in the number of fishing vessels, with more than 8,200 boats. According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, violations related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing have remained complicated in recent times. A portion of fishermen still have limited awareness and, for short-term gains, deliberately commit IUU violations, encroach on foreign waters, and cross permitted boundaries to exploit marine resources. In addition, cases of vessels fishing in wrong zones or using methods inconsistent with their licenses still occur. Since 2024, functional forces have inspected, detected, and administratively sanctioned 879 violations.

Fisherman Le Phuoc of Phan Thiet ward with his vessel preparing for the first offshore trip of the new year (Photo: Lam Dong Newspaper)

This reality requires improving fishermen’s awareness and compliance with legal regulations, along with information sharing and coordinated efforts among sectors and functional agencies. Coastal localities of Lam Dong such as Lien Huong, Phu Thuy, and Phan Thiet have been operating models related to offshore fishing with initial effectiveness. Many vessel owners are increasingly aware of legal compliance, especially regulations related to IUU.

In Lien Huong commune, just a few days after the Lunar New Year holiday of 2026, Tran Thang (Phuoc The hamlet 2, Lien Huong commune), owner of fishing vessel BTh 95226 TS measuring over 16 meters, prepared for his first offshore trips of the year. Safe returns with full holds of fish are what every fisherman hopes for.

Although it is currently the northeast monsoon season, which is unfavorable for fishing, he said his vessel still operates 20–30 nautical miles offshore. On every trip, he strictly complies with IUU regulations and receives maximum support and guidance from border guard forces and local authorities while operating at sea.

Senior Captain Cao Duc Thang, Deputy Commander of Lien Huong Port Border Guard Station under the Provincial Border Guard Command, said the unit manages 830 fishing vessels with 3,949 workers, including 719 vessels in Lien Huong commune and 111 in Vinh Hao. Through border patrols, inspections, and vessel registration and management, most fishermen operating at sea comply with legal and local regulations. Since 2025, the unit has not detected any cases of foreign water violations or other fisheries-related violations within its management area.

Assessing the implementation of the model “Propaganda and mobilization of fishermen to comply with legal regulations on seafood exploitation and not encroaching on foreign waters” (IUU model), Dang Thien Vien, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lien Huong commune, said: “The model was established with the participation of relevant departments and forces, including police and border guards. Its goal is to effectively disseminate and mobilize residents to grasp and strictly implement legal regulations in the fisheries sector, especially those related to combating IUU fishing. At the same time, it strengthens monitoring of public opinion, especially fishermen’s difficulties, obstacles, and concerns, to conduct timely communication and mobilization, preventing the emergence of security and order hotspots in the locality.”

Raising fishermen’s awareness

Along with fishermen in Lien Huong commune, many offshore vessel owners in Phan Thiet ward share a common awareness of legal compliance when fishing at sea. For example, fisherman Le Phuoc (residential group 19, Phan Thiet ward), owner of fishing vessel BTh 97218 TS, shared: “Right after the Lunar New Year holiday, many fishermen and I quickly resumed offshore operations. This is both our livelihood and a contribution to protecting our homeland’s waters with the support and assistance of functional forces.”

Do Huu Phuoc, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Phan Thiet ward, said the ward currently has 417 fishing vessels, including 138 vessels measuring from 15 to under 20 meters. To date, no local vessels have violated foreign waters. One contributing factor is that in October–November 2025, the ward established the “United Fishermen Group” model in residential group 20. Along with this, a steering committee and core team were formed with the participation of relevant forces.

The model focuses on disseminating and mobilizing fishermen to actively participate in maintaining security and order, especially compliance with regulations on fishing and seafood exploitation, maintaining presence at sea and on islands, and protecting national sovereignty over seas and islands. At the same time, it promotes proactive detection and reporting of crimes and violations in fishing, trading, and seafood business activities, preventing IUU-related violations. For households owning vessels that do not meet conditions for fishing activities within the province, local authorities implement support policies to help stabilize their livelihoods.

It is clear that communication, dissemination, and legal education play a crucial role. These efforts help raise awareness and responsibility among fishermen and society as a whole in combating IUU fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries development.

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