Quang Tri Border Guards Tighten Fishing Vessel Control to Prevent IUU

	Initial Effectiveness of IUU-related Models
	Thanh Hoa Reports No Fishing Vessels Losing VMS Connection

On February 26, the Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard Command held a conference to review the results of IUU fishing prevention and control in 2025 and to outline directions and tasks for 2026. The event was attended and directed by Le Van Bao, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, and Head of the provincial Steering Committee on IUU prevention and control, along with representatives of relevant departments, agencies, and localities.

Affirming the core role in monitoring and handling violations

In 2025, the Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard Command proactively advised and implemented synchronized measures to combat IUU fishing; issued directives and specialized plans; and reinforced personnel at border guard stations and control posts to tighten procedures for inspecting and controlling fishing vessels entering and leaving ports.

Senior Colonel Trinh Thanh Binh, Commander of the Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard, reports on the results of implementing IUU fishing prevention tasks in 2025. (Photo: Vietnam Law Newspaper)

The province currently has 4,640 fishing vessels measuring 6 meters or longer, of which 1,350 are required to install vessel monitoring system (VMS) devices. To date, 1,338 vessels have installed the equipment, reaching a rate of 99.1%. Through the monitoring system, authorities detected 248 instances of vessels losing VMS connection for more than six hours, 66 cases of vessels at risk of crossing permitted boundaries, and 72 vessels classified as high risk of violations.

Communication and awareness-raising efforts for fishermen were intensified, with 45 outreach sessions attracting more than 7,300 participants. Authorities also organized the signing of commitments by 14,511 vessel owners and captains pledging not to commit IUU violations.

Border control stations processed procedures for more than 42,000 fishing vessel entries and departures during the year. The provincial Border Guard force led and coordinated the detection and handling of 130 cases involving 130 fishing vessels and 137 violators, imposing administrative fines totaling more than VND 2.59 billion. One criminal case related to the use of explosives for illegal fishing was also prosecuted.

Numerous violations, such as disabling VMS devices, crossing permitted boundaries, and failing to record or fully record fishing logs, were detected and strictly handled, thereby affirming the core role of the Border Guard force in preventing, detecting, and addressing IUU violations.

Launching peak patrol campaigns, determined to prevent new violations

Alongside the achieved results, the conference candidly pointed out several shortcomings, including continued cases of vessels losing VMS connections and crossing permitted boundaries; occasional inconsistencies in data reconciliation on vessel movements in and out of ports; and 134 vessels across the province still ineligible for operation, posing potential risks of violations.

Conference reviewing the results of IUU fishing prevention tasks in 2025 and deploying directions and tasks for 2026. (Photo: Vietnam Law Newspaper)

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Van Bao requested functional forces to continue tightening fishing vessel management, reviewing and standardizing management data, strengthening supervision of high-risk vessels, and resolutely refusing port clearance for vessels that do not meet operational requirements to prevent new IUU violations.

According to the plan, from March 1 to May 31, 2026, the Provincial Border Guard Command will lead and coordinate with relevant forces to conduct a peak campaign of patrols, inspections, and control at river mouths, coastal waters, and offshore areas, focusing on detecting, preventing, and strictly handling violations.

With synchronized and resolute measures, the Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard will continue to promote its core role in combating IUU fishing, contributing to improved fisheries management, protection of aquatic resources, and the national goal of having the EC’s “yellow card” warning lifted.

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