Binh Dinh (VNA) – The People’s Committee of the south-central province of Binh Dinh has ordered harsh punishment for ship owners and captains with vessels violating the regulations against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing with a view to clamping down on illegal act.
The list of violating boats has been made public nationwide while their owners have had their fishing operation limited or even banned. Besides, the local administration has considered meting out administrative punishment, and even criminal liability for violators.
According to Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Tuan Thanh, the locality is now home to 450 fishing vessels from 12 to 15 metres in length, which are not required to have vessel monitoring systems (VMSs) installed. More than 210 boats of which are at high risk of infringing foreign waters.
The province has ordered the installation of the monitoring devices in the boats, he said, stressing ship owners will have their fishing licences revoked if they fail to do so.
Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Van Phuc said that around-the-clock operation of the VMSs is compulsory on all boats, making it easy for competent authorities to keep a close watch on and control them.
Staff have been arranged to be on duty 24/7 to detect and handle fishing vessels that stay unconnected or encroach foreign waters so as to give timely warnings, he said, adding the province will provide financial support for fishermen to install the devices./.
