Kien Giang works to combat IUU fishing

Since the beginning of this year, Kien Giang province has imposed administrative fines on 15 VMS-related cases, totalling 760 million VND, down 11 cases compared the same period last year. Additionally, 35 cases related to IUU fishing have been handled, with total fines of over 325 million VND

Kien Giang province is intensifying efforts to combat IUU fishing. (Photo: VNA)

Kien Giang (VNA) - The southern province of Kien Giang has spent over 5.3 billion VND (203,000 USD) on supporting the coverage of vessel monitoring system (VMS) subscription fees for local fishermen since 2022, as an effort to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, according to the provincial steering committee for IUU fishing combat.

Truong Van Ngu, Chairman of Rach Gia city’s Fisheries Association, stated that this work has helped fishermen maintain uninterrupted connection, ensuring compliance with fisheries regulations and combating IUU fishing. It has contributed to decreasing the number of vessels with lost signals at sea.

At present, 3,593 out of the 3,620 fishing vessels with a length of 15m or more, accounting for more than 99%, in Kien Giang have installed the VMS.

The device helps authorities track the location of fishing vessels, deliver timely warnings when there is a risk of violating maritime boundaries or having an incident at sea, and support patrolling, checking and handling violations. At the same time, it enhances safety in fishing grounds, controls fishing activities, improves the effectiveness of fisheries management and protects aquatic resources.

Kien Giang currently continues to focus on concertedly implementing solutions to prevent IUU fishing, and carefully preparing for working with the 5th European Commission (EC) inspection delegation.

Giang Thanh Khoa, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, emphasised that the province has strengthened inspection and monitored fishing vessels operating at sea around the clock, and strictly punished any violators.

At the same time, it has controlled fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; monitored aquatic product output at fishing ports and wharves; and effectively used the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT).

Since the beginning of this year, the whole province has imposed administrative fines on 15 VMS-related cases, totalling 760 million VND, down 11 cases compared the same period last year. Additionally, 35 cases related to IUU fishing have been handled, with total fines of over 325 million VND./.

VNA