Dong Thap (VNA) – Cooperatives and cooperative groups in seafood exploitation in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, home to more than 1,500 offshore fishing vessels with 9,747 fishermen, have not only helped boost profits for offshore fishing operations and extend sea journeys but also contributed positively to Vietnam’s efforts to have the EC’s “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing removed.
Since 2014, Dong Thap has established 31 fishing cooperative groups involving 392 vessels and 3,453 fishermen; one cooperative with 10 vessels and 70 members; and three trade unions with 98 vessels and 745 fishermen.
According to Tran Thi Be Bay, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, the cooperative groups and cooperatives have members engaging in logistics services, such as purchasing seafood at sea and supplying fuel to fishing vessels, thereby helping fishermen stay longer at sea and increase productivity. In addition to production and logistics cooperation, members attended training and communication sessions on marine fishing regulations to avoid IUU fishing-related violations.
Le Van Muoi, Director of Vam Lang seafood exploitation cooperative in Gia Thuan commune, said the cooperative’s 10 offshore fishing boats have helped reduce operational costs and improve fishing efficiency. The cooperative now organises more frequent ships to transport seafood ashore and fishing boats only return to the shore every two to three months.
Before each trip, cooperative members hold meetings to remind crew members to strictly comply with legal fishing regulations, ensuring they fish within licenced areas and registered sectors and avoid any IUU fishing violations.
Meanwhile, Ly Van Lieng, head of Truong Duy fishery cooperative group in Gia Thuan commune, said that during offshore operations, vessels of the group share information on fish schools and assist one another with logistics, such as transporting catches to the shore, refueling, and supplying necessities to boats at sea. This cooperation helps improve product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and save fuel and operational costs.
Captains also regularly exchange information about fishing areas and monitor the operation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS). In cases of signal loss, they immediately report to equipment providers for prompt repair to ensure continuous tracking and full compliance with IUU fishing regulations, Lieng added./.
Phu Quoc fishermen receive guidance on IUU fishing prevention and control
Leaders of Coast Guard Region 4 said the campaign aims to raise awareness of the Party's guidelines and the State's laws on IUU prevention and control, fostering responsibility and cooperation among fishermen, captains, and vessel owners.
