Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Kien Giang (VNA) – The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is taking urgent measures to prevent local fishermen from illegal fishing in foreign waters as part of the effort to address the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
An inter-sectorial working group was established to receive information related to local fishing ships and fishermen that were arrested and punished by foreign countries. The group has worked with localities with the high number of fishing vessels violating foreign waters while proposing solutions to the provincial People’s Committee.
Besides, specialised inspection forces have been directed to coordinate with law enforcement forces at sea in enhancing patrols and inspections and handling violations of the fisheries law.
A list of fishing ships and ship-owners that violate regulations related to the EC’s warning on IUU fishing is publicised monthly. Recidivists are not allowed to conduct fishing activities or build new fishing ships, and do not receive the State’s support policies.
The provincial Border Force’s Command has directed its posts to strictly control fishing boats and fishermen that come in and out fishing ports and keep them from going out to sea if they lack necessary procedures, papers and equipment as regulated by law.
Vietnam was served with a yellow card warning by the EU in September for failing to progress in fighting IUU fishing and it has been offered the opportunity to take measures to rectify the situation within six months.
The "yellow card" 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 on fishery products.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development asked 28 coastal localities to strictly follow the Prime Minister’s dispatch and directive related to IUU fishing, intensify inspections and investigations on IUU fishing to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in foreign waters.-VNA
VNA
