Viet Nam Coast Guard Implements Comprehensive Measures Against IUU fishing
	EU Recognizes Vietnam’s Progress in Combating IUU Fishing

According to reports from competent agencies, the province currently has 4,666 fishing vessels measuring 6 meters or longer. All vessels have been registered, and the certification rate has reached 95.3%, with 1,616 out of a total of 1,695 vessels. Authorities have reviewed and categorized vessels that do not meet registration and licensing requirements, handed the lists over to communal People’s Committees for monitoring, and sealed 23 vessels that failed to meet standards, firmly preventing them from putting out to sea. From 2024 until now, the province has penalized 248 out of 249 violations, collecting more than 6.47 billion VND.

Alongside tightening administrative procedures, Quang Tri maintains multiple key indicators: no vessels have been arrested for violating foreign waters; 100% of fishing vessels have been painted with identification marks and their data updated to the VnFishbase system; monitoring of vessel movements in and out of ports has been absolute; fishing logs and unloading volumes are cross-checked and fully and accurately recorded.

Many localities across the province have effectively implemented monitoring of fishing activities within assigned maritime zones, while linking resource management with sustainable livelihoods. In Nam Cua Viet commune, which has more than 812 hectares of aquaculture area, multi-stage shrimp farming, high-tide farming with settling ponds, and organic farming models are encouraged, helping raise incomes and reduce pressure on traditional capture fisheries. Dang Huy Bang, Head of the Economic Division of Nam Cua Viet commune, said the locality will continue stabilizing its current aquaculture area, aiming for sustainable development, strictly adhering to environmental protection and IUU prevention regulations.

Quang Tri strengthens the inspection and supervision of fishing vessel operations. (Photo: Newspaper of Industry and Trade)

According to Le Ngoc Linh, Deputy Director of the provincial Fisheries Sub-Department, since the province issued its plan to strengthen IUU prevention measures on August 14, nearly all vessels that are non-compliant have been placed under strict supervision. This demonstrates effective coordination between commune-level authorities and specialized agencies, contributing to the successful implementation of Resolution 501 and the province’s overall effort to remove the “yellow card.”

Hoang Nam, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, requested localities to continue sealing, marking, and publicly disclosing information about vessels that have no need or do not meet conditions for operation, and to take responsibility if violations occur, especially in cases of crossing the boundary into foreign waters. The province has also advised vessel owners to promptly complete documentation to obtain necessary permits; otherwise, they will be handled as vessels no longer capable of operating.

One notable advancement is the promotion of digital transformation in fleet management: coastal Border Guard stations have adopted electronic procedures, integrating fishery data and real-time vessel monitoring, making departure and arrival processes transparent, streamlined, and reducing burdens for fishermen. Border Guard forces also enhance patrols and strictly handle cases of intentionally disabling vessel monitoring systems (VMS) or crossing maritime boundaries. The province has proposed that the central government support the upgrading of class-3 fishing ports, preservation-processing facilities, and fisheries infrastructure to meet sustainable development criteria.

According to Tran Xuan Tien, Director of the provincial Fisheries and Fishery Surveillance Agency, although IUU prevention efforts have produced positive results, there remain 134 fishing vessels that do not meet operational requirements. Among them, 32 vessels no longer exist in practice and are being processed for deregistration, while 102 vessels have been sealed and assigned supervisors, with an absolute ban on going to sea. Immediately after the meeting of the National Steering Committee on IUU, Quang Tri launched a high-intensity action plan, mobilizing the entire political system.

At the meeting of the National Steering Committee on IUU, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized that Quang Tri must strictly prohibit vessels that fail to meet operational conditions from going to sea and must end prolonged VMS disconnections or failure to report catch volumes. He stated that promoting high-tech marine aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming, should be viewed as one of the key solutions to create long-term livelihoods for fishermen, reduce pressure on natural aquatic resources, and contribute to efforts to lift the EC yellow card.

Despite notable achievements, several key tasks in Quang Tri remain behind schedule, particularly the definitive handling of non-compliant vessels, inconsistent VMS management, and limited progress in livelihood transition. These bottlenecks must be promptly addressed for Quang Tri not to become a weak link in the national roadmap. With a proactive and resolute approach and the consensus of fishermen, Quang Tri aims to build a modern, transparent, and sustainable fisheries sector, contributing significantly to the removal of the IUU yellow card and the development of a blue marine economy in the near future.

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