Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Kien Giang (VNA) – The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is taking urgent measuresto prevent local fishermen from illegal fishing in foreign waters as part of theeffort to address the EuropeanCommission (EC)’s “yellow card” on illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing.
An inter-sectorial working group was established to receive information relatedto local fishing ships and fishermen that were arrested and punished by foreigncountries. The group has worked with localities with the high number of fishingvessels violating foreign waters while proposing solutions to the provincialPeople’s Committee.
Besides, specialised inspection forces have been directed to coordinate with lawenforcement forces at sea in enhancing patrols and inspections and handling violationsof the fisheries law.
A list of fishing ships and ship-owners that violate regulations related to theEC’s warning on IUU fishing is publicised monthly. Recidivists are not allowedto conduct fishing activities or build new fishing ships, and do not receive theState’s support policies.
The provincial Border Force’s Command has directed its posts to strictlycontrol fishing boats and fishermen that come in and out fishing ports and keepthem from going out to sea if they lack necessary procedures, papers andequipment as regulated by law.
Vietnam was served with a yellow card warning by the EU in September forfailing to progress in fighting IUU fishing and it has been offered theopportunity to take measures to rectify the situation within six months.
The "yellowcard" is followed by a "green card" if issues are resolved or a"red card" if they aren’t. A “red card” can lead to a trade ban onfishery products.
The Ministry of Agriculture andRural Development asked 28 coastal localities to strictly follow the PrimeMinister’s dispatch and directive related to IUU fishing, intensify inspectionsand investigations on IUU fishing to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing in foreign waters.-VNA
VNA
