Dak Lak (VNA) – The southern province of Dak Lak is ramping up communication efforts targeting fishermen as part of its broader fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Sen. Lieut. Nguyen Tien Khanh, from Hoa Hiep Nam border guard station, reported that fishermen now show a much stronger grasp of fisheries rules and exactly what compliance demands from their day-to-day operations. That heightened awareness is paying off, intensifying local crackdowns on IUU practices and preparing for the upcoming European Commission (EC)'s 5th inspection round.
Dak Lak now has more than 2,500 fishing vessels. Every boat with a length of 15 metre or longer, a total of 687, has been installed with vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Port movements are tightly controlled through the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT). The province has checked off all 101 anti-IUU tasks handed down by the Government, and officials have systematically verified infractions before hitting violators with tough penalties.
During October checks at eastern fishing ports, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thien Van revealed that authorities have ordered closer collaboration between relevant agencies and coastal communes and wards. The dual focus remains on stepped-up outreach and support for fishermen while enforcing stringent vessel management to prevent cross-border incursions and operations by unlicensed boats.
On cases involving illegal transfer of VMS devices to other vessels, the province has adopted a hardline approach, applying administrative fines and pledging criminal charges for anyone caught repeating the offence.
Since early 2025, Dak Lak has logged 11,620 fishing vessel arrivals and departures at ports, with total reported catches topping 11,000 tonnes./.
