Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) BaRia-Vung Tau (VNA) – Fishing vessels without Vessel Monitoring System(VMS) devices are not allowed to go out to sea, according to Vice Chairman of thePeople’s Committee of southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province Nguyen Cong Vinh.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said nearly 95% of the fishing vessels have been equipped with VMS, while the remainder will be put underclose watch.
DeputyDirector of the provincial fishing port management board Nguyen Van Ho said theboard is checking the installation of VMS for fishing vessels to promptly dealwith difficulties faced by fishermen.
Provincial authorities also made the best preparations to welcome the European Commission’sinspection team in late October.
Sinceearly this month, the department has set up teams to inspect the implementation ofEC’s recommendations related to illegal, unreported and undocumented (IUU)fishing in localities, representative offices and fishing ports.
Theyalso checked the origin of seafood and food safety at fishing ports.
Incollaboration with border guards, the department raised fishermen’s awareness ofthe EC’s IUU prevention and control regulations, and punishments for violating fishing vessels.
Recently, the provincial People’s Committee signedcooperation agreements with the High Command of Naval Zone 2, and the High Commandof Coast Guard Regions 3 and 4 to fight IUU fishing./.
