Dak Lak (VNA) - The People Committee of Dak Lak province has instructed coastal localities and relevant agencies to step up monitoring of fishing vessels considered at high risk of engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to the National Fisheries Database, the province has 2,989 registered fishing vessels, including 1,602 vessels between 6–12 metres in length, 699 between 12–15 metres, and 688 of 15 metres or more. Of these, 1,061 vessels, or 35.5%, are deemed ineligible for operation.
Figures from localities show that about 80 vessels have shifted to aquaculture, while around 20 are damaged but have yet to be removed from the registry, leaving 961 vessels or 32.15% still classified as ineligible.
The Department of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with local administrations and the Border Guard Command, is strengthening oversight of high-risk vessels. Provincial officials issue weekly lists of boats with potential IUU violations. From January 1 to October 3, 37 such notices were released, identifying 299 vessels as high-risk.
Authorities are also reinforcing satellite-based Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), requiring 100% of vessels to maintain connectivity from departure to port return. Specific lists are drawn up for vessels that lose signals for more than six hours without reporting, remain disconnected for over 10 days, or cross permitted fishing boundaries.
Deputy Chairman of the Dak Lak People’s Committee Nguyen Thien Van emphasised strict management of fleets to prevent inactive vessels from secretly fishing, and called for the removal of damaged vessels from the database.
He also urged closer inter-agency cooperation to stop cases of illegal cross-border fishing, equipment-sharing, or sailing without valid licenses.
Since May, the provincial fisheries surveillance unit, together with the Border Guard, has conducted three patrols in local waters, checking 284 vessels and imposing three penalties.
Authorised units said inspections will continue to be intensified in the coming months to strengthen the fight against IUU fishing./.
