Drastic measures taken to curb IUU fishing in southwestern waters

Since April 2024, authorities in Ca Mau province have penalised 338 cases involving 391 fishing vessels, imposing fines totalling nearly 6 billion VND (230,900 USD).

A ship of the Coast Guard Region 4 High Command patrols on the southwestern sea area. (Photo: VNA)
A ship of the Coast Guard Region 4 High Command patrols on the southwestern sea area. (Photo: VNA)

Ca Mau (VNA) – The High Command of Coast Guard Region 4 and border guards in the southernmost province of Ca Mau has been taking drastic measures to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly violations relating to vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

The high command said that since April 2024, authorities have penalised 338 cases involving 391 fishing vessels, imposing fines totalling nearly 6 billion VND (230,900 USD).

Investigations have identified 21 cases linked to illegal transportation across borders and disruptions to computer and telecoms networks or electronic devices, with two criminal cases initiated for facilitating illegal immigration. Local courts have adjudicated three cases, sentencing 18 individuals to a total of over 96 years in prison.

To combat IUU fishing and work towards lifting the European Commission's "yellow card" warning for Vietnamese seafood, the high command has implemented robust measures, focusing on direct outreach to fishermen, particularly boat owners, captains and crew members, about sustainable fishing practices. The command has collaborated closely with specialised agencies and local governments to enforce the rules concerning VMS and to manage vessels that lose signal.

Major General Tran Van Luong, Commander of Coast Guard Region 4, has emphasised the need for all ranks to implement the directives and resolutions related to IUU fishing prevention and control. Accordingly, authorities and agencies thoroughly monitor fishing vessels to promptly identify and address violations, as well as investigate, verify and handle to properly assess the tricks used by fishing vessels, and tackle wrongdoings.

Colonel Pham Anh Chuong, Commander of the Border Guard in Ca Mau province, highlighted that the force will enhance operational effectiveness by closely monitoring maritime activities. They will further investigate and act against organisations and individuals facilitating illegal fishing in foreign waters, and stringently deal with any tampering with monitoring equipment on vessels.

The border guard force maintains strict inspection protocols for all fishing boats entering or leaving ports, increasing mobile checkpoints at the river mouths without border control stations. They are determined to prevent non-compliant vessels from operating at sea and are actively combating destructive fishing practices along the coastal borders.

Additionally, technology is being leveraged to manage and control fishing activities, aiding in the fight against IUU fishing, he said, adding that the border guard in Ca Mau has effectively patrolled and monitored maritime borders, ensuring all boat owners and captains commit themselves not to engage in illegal fishing in foreign waters and adhere to legal regulations./.

VNA

See more

Houses built for people living along the river in Lam Dat hamlet, Thieu Vu commune, Thieu Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: baothanhhoa.vn)

Thanh Hoa aims to eradicate substandard housing by October 2025

Local officials are required to strengthen on-the-ground inspections and take prompt action to address any signs of stagnation or lack of accountability in executing the campaign. They are also tasked with completing administrative procedures to ensure timely disbursement of financial support to eligible households, avoiding overlap or omission in beneficiary identification.

At the the appeal hearing on May 6 (Photo: VNA)

Xuyen Viet Oil case: Appellate verdict announced, with six receiving reduced sentences

Specifically, the trial panel sentenced the mastermind of the case, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, ex-Director and Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Xuyen Viet Oil, to 11 years in prison for the crime of “giving bribes” and 17 years for “violating regulations on the management and use of State assets, causing loss and wastefulness.” The combined sentence is 28 years in prison, 2 years less than the first-instance verdict.

Buddhist followers at the ceremony to mark Lord Buddha’s 2569th birthday. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi ceremony marks Buddha’s birthday

Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang noted Vietnam's pride in hosting the 2025 Vesak amidst the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. He highlighted Buddhism's historical contributions to Vietnam's victory, with the sacrifices of many Buddhist followers.

Architect Tran Thi Ngu Ngon receives DIVIA 2025 award (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese architect honoured with DIVIA 2025

Her works showcase a creative fusion of tradition and modernity, reflecting deep sensitivity to Vietnam’s culture and climate. These projects have become a source of inspiration for incorporating indigenous architecture into sustainable development practices, both in Vietnam and internationally.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung presents flowers to congratulate the winners. (Photo: VNA)

Four scientists honoured with Bao Son Awards 2024

These projects were recognised for their groundbreaking advances in research and technology application, offering practical value and high socio-economic effectiveness, contributing to sustainable development and the improvement of quality of life.

Delegates explore the career-orientation-bus programme. (Photo: VNA)

Initiative offers youth expanded access to global labour market

Running from May 8 to 10, the career-orientation-bus programme features a range of activities including information sessions on vocational training and job opportunities in Germany, guidance on safe and legal migration pathways, preparation in language and cultural integration, and roundtable discussions with experts from various sectors.

Khanh Hoa province is closely monitoring its fishing fleet. (Photo: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn)

Khanh Hoa tightens control of fishing vessels at sea ports

As many as 99.7% of Khanh Hoa's fishing vessels over 15 metres in length – 631 out of 633 – have now been equipped with VMS devices. Furthermore, the electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) system is being effectively implemented across the Hon Ro, Vinh Luong, Da Bac, and Dai Lanh ports, significantly enhancing transparency and traceability in the seafood supply chain.

VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang (centre, right) and Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC) Vugar Alyev (centre, left) hold talks on May 8. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam News Agency steps up cooperation with Kazakhstani, Azerbaijani media partners

The signing of the cooperation agreements took place within the framework of Party General Secretary To Lam's state visits to Kazakhstan (May 5-7) and Azerbaijan (May 7-8). It aims to implement the Vietnamese Party and State’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations, serving the country's development in the new situation.

People donate their blood to save lives. (Photo: VNA)

Humanitarian Month 2025 launched in HCM City

The VRCS aims to mobilise 400 billion VND (about 15.4 million USD) to implement humanitarian programmes and assist 100,000 individuals and collectives facing hardships.

Ca Mau province's Dam Doi district gets facelift (Photo: VNA)

War-devastated land in Ca Mau revives after 50 years of national reunification

Fifty years after the liberation of the South and national reunification, Dam Doi district in the southernmost province of Ca Mau has seen significant changes. Once a land devastated by bombs, it has now become an area renowned for aquaculture, identified as the district's key economic sector and a major aquaculture hub of the province.