An Giang Tightens Fishing Vessel Management to Address IUU Fishing Challenges
An Giang province is intensifying efforts to review, standardize data, and strictly manage its fishing vessel fleet, with special attention to addressing "3 no" vessels that lack controlled monitoring devices. These represent decisive measures by the locality to enhance the effectiveness of combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Background and Challenges
IUU fishing has emerged as a critical global issue, severely impacting marine resources and sustainable development of the fisheries sector. In Vietnam, combating IUU fishing has been identified as a priority task, particularly following the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card" warning issued to Vietnamese seafood in 2017.
An Giang, with its extensive coastline along the Tien and Hau rivers and a complex network of canals, is one of Vietnam's localities with developed fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing activities. However, fishing vessel management continues to face numerous challenges, particularly regarding small-scale wooden vessels that are not equipped with monitoring devices.
Measures to Tighten Management
1. Reviewing and Standardizing Fishing Vessel Data
An Giang is conducting a comprehensive review of all fishing vessel data within its jurisdiction, focusing on verifying information, updating operational status, and classifying vessels according to regulations. This process helps competent authorities gain a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the local fishing situation.
According to the An Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development report, over 3,000 fishing vessels have been reviewed and their data standardized, accounting for 85% of the total vessels in the province. The remaining vessels are expected to be completed by Q4/2023.
2. Strict Management of the Fishing Vessel Fleet
An Giang is strictly implementing fishing vessel management in accordance with Decree 26/2019/ND-CP and guiding documents. Specific measures include:
- Requiring vessels to complete registration and inspection before operation
- Establishing an electronic fishing vessel database with periodic updates
- Strengthening inspection and monitoring of vessels going to sea and returning to shore
- Strictly handling violations of fishing regulations
3. Addressing "3 No" Vessels
"3 no" vessels refer to those without controlled monitoring devices, including:
- Vessels not equipped with monitoring devices
- Vessels with devices but not operational
- Vessels without data transmission to management authorities
An Giang has established an inter-agency working team to review, verify, and completely address this situation. According to the plan, by the end of 2023, 100% of fishing vessels with a length of 12 meters or more must have operational monitoring devices.
4. Improving Fisheries Infrastructure
To support fishermen transitioning from illegal fishing to sustainable practices, An Giang is investing in fisheries infrastructure development:
- Building and upgrading standardized fishing ports and landing sites
- Developing safe and sustainable aquaculture zones
- Supporting fishermen's transition to high-value fisheries
- Training and raising awareness among fishermen about sustainable fishing
Achievements
The IUU fishing prevention efforts in An Giang have yielded significant results:
| Indicator | Implementation Status | Completion Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Data review and standardization for fishing vessels | 3,150/3,700 vessels | 85% |
| Installation of monitoring devices | 1,800/2,000 vessels | 90% |
| Handling of "3 no" vessels | 150/150 vessels | 100% |
| Fisheries infrastructure improvement | 3/5 projects | 60% |
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Vice Chairman of An Giang Provincial People's Committee: "We consider combating IUU fishing not only a responsibility but also a prerequisite for sustainable development of the fisheries sector. An Giang is committed to implementing decisive solutions, completely resolving existing issues, and ensuring no fishing vessels violate IUU fishing regulations."
Future Plans
To further enhance IUU fishing prevention effectiveness, An Giang has set key objectives for the coming period:
- Complete 100% data review and standardization for fishing vessels by the end of 2023
- Ensure 100% of vessels 12 meters or longer have operational monitoring devices
- Establish effective inter-agency coordination mechanisms for vessel management
- Develop sustainable aquaculture zones to gradually reduce natural resource exploitation
- Strengthen cooperation with regional provinces in IUU fishing prevention
Conclusion
An Giang is making continuous efforts in IUU fishing prevention through decisive and comprehensive measures. Tightening fishing vessel management, particularly addressing "3 no" vessels, along with improving fisheries infrastructure not only helps protect fishery resources but also enhances the value and international reputation of Vietnamese seafood.
Successfully implementing these solutions will not only benefit An Giang but also contribute to the national success in lifting the EC's yellow card warning and achieving sustainable development of Vietnam's fisheries sector.