Ca Mau (VNA) – Ca Mau is stepping up efforts to prevent fishing vessels and fishermen from illegally operating in foreign waters, contributing to national efforts to have the European Commission (EC) lift its “yellow card” warning over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The southernmost province of Ca Mau is among the localities facing significant pressure in implementing the EC’s recommendations on IUU fishing. Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Van Su has urged local authorities, particularly leaders, to take greater responsibility, stressing the principle of “no formal reporting, no excuses and no evasion of responsibility.”
According to Su, the province is strengthening communications on anti-IUU fishing regulations and the EC’s recommendations, while publicly recognising good practices and strictly handling serious violations.
The province is also reviewing all fishing vessels, including their registration, inspection, licences and vessel monitoring system (VMS) status, while strictly removing vessels that fail to meet requirements.
Ca Mau has completed the digitalisation of fishing vessel management data and installed VMS on 100% of vessels measuring 15 metres or more operating at sea. Monitoring is conducted 24/7 to detect vessels approaching or crossing permitted boundaries and those losing VMS signals.
Ca Mau was among the first localities to deploy electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) and electronic fishing logbooks (eLogbook).
Su has ordered relevant agencies to maintain around the clock duty and make full use of the VMS to closely monitor vessels operating near or beyond maritime boundaries or losing connection signals, with violations to be verified and strictly penalised.
Besides, competent forces are also tightening controls over seafood purchasing facilities and checking vessels operating outside designated fishing ports. Data on vessels entering and leaving ports is regularly cross-checked, while seafood consignments for export to the European market are reviewed to ensure transparency and compliance.
The province is launching a high-intensity campaign against IUU fishing, focusing on high-risk vessels and aiming to prevent any new violations in foreign waters. All vessels entering or leaving designated ports must use the eCDT system, while seafood businesses and processors are required to closely monitor landings and complete traceability records.
In 2026, Ca Mau will focus on enforcement and handling violations while pursuing longer-term plans through 2030, with a vision to 2050, including upgrading fishing ports and storm shelters, shifting destructive fishing practices toward aquaculture and environmentally friendly livelihoods, assessing fishery resources and strengthening fisheries enforcement capacity.
With determined action by local authorities and coordinated efforts across the political system, Ca Mau aims to contribute to national efforts to have the EC’s “yellow card” lifted while building a transparent, responsible and sustainable fisheries sector./.
