Lam Dong (VNA) – Coastal localities in Lam Dong province are rolling out community-based initiatives to strengthen the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, helping improve compliance and support efforts to lift the European Commission (EC) “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.
The initiatives place fishermen at the centre of enforcement efforts, promoting community self-management while strengthening coordination between local authorities and relevant agencies in managing offshore fishing activities.
In Binh Thuan ward, the newly launched “Legal departure, safe return” model encourages fishermen to comply with regulations throughout every fishing trip, from departure to docking. Fishing vessel owners pledge not to encroach on foreign waters, keep vessel monitoring systems operating around the clock, maintain complete fishing logs, and refrain from destructive fishing practices. A key feature of the model is its emphasis on peer monitoring, with vessel owners and captains reminding and supervising one another to prevent violations at the grassroots level.
Binh Thuan ward is home to 127 fishing vessels, including 82 measuring at least 12m in length, employing more than 350 fishermen. While no local vessels have recently been found fishing illegally in foreign waters, occasional disruptions to vessel monitoring systems still occur. Local authorities believe the self-management model will strengthen the responsibility of vessel owners, captains and crew members to comply with anti-IUU fishing regulations.
A similar initiative has also been introduced in Tien Thanh ward under the slogan “Tien Thanh fishermen comply with the law and say no to IUU fishing.” The model seeks to mobilise the entire political system and the local fishing community in combating illegal fishing.
Vice Chairman of the Tien Thanh ward People's Committee Tran Minh Duy said the initiative will improve the management of fishing activities, safeguard fishermen’s long-term livelihoods and promote the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
Local fisherman Le Van Bong from Quarter 4 said the model helps fishermen understand and comply with legal regulations, protect marine resources, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
Tien Thanh ward has 295 fishing vessels. Authorities have implemented a range of coordinated measures, including completing vessel registration records, updating data on vessel owners, stepping up public awareness campaigns, and requiring captains to sign commitments not to engage in IUU fishing.
Experience has shown that alongside the efforts of competent authorities, the cooperation and self-discipline of fishermen are crucial to preventing illegal fishing. The new community-led models are becoming an effective extension of grassroots fisheries management, helping translate anti-IUU fishing regulations and sustainable fishing practices into everyday action./.
