Can Tho (VNA) – In an effort to step up the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Coast Guard Region 4 Command on August 25 coordinated with relevant agencies to stage a mock trial in Tran De commune, the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, drawing more than 450 local officials and residents.
The trial re-enacted a real-life case to vividly demonstrate the legal consequences of IUU violations, helping raise awareness among local authorities and coastal communities about the seriousness of such offences and the need to comply with the law.
The innovative communication format was described as a vivid and effective way to influence fishermen’s awareness and behaviour.
According to the Coast Guard Region 4 Command, strengthening communications to coastal residents is a crucial part of implementing the Party and Government’s directives against IUU fishing.
The campaign also responds to the Prime Minister’s Official dispatch No. 122/CD-TTg issued on July 25, 2025, on strengthening anti-IUU measures, and the Ministry of National Defence’s peak emulation drive against IUU fishing.
The mock trial reenacted a typical case in which a fishing boat owner and accomplices directed two vessels into foreign waters to conduct illegal fishing. To avoid detection, the defendants removed and concealed their vessel monitoring devices. They also organised the illegal exit of six crew members, who were later detained by a foreign country’s navy. Following their repatriation, Vietnamese authorities investigated and brought charges.
At the trial, the court sentenced the two defendants to 10 years and 8 years in prison respectively for “organising illegal exit” and “disrupting the operation of electronic equipment” under the Penal Code.
According to the Coast Guard Region 4 Command, the mock trial aimed to raise awareness among local authorities and coastal communities in Can Tho about the seriousness of IUU fishing violations, its legal consequences, and the responsibility to comply with the law. This innovative form of communication was seen as a vivid and effective way to influence fishermen’s awareness and behaviour.
Earlier, on August 16 and 18, the Coast Guard Region 4 Command held similar mock trials in Binh An commune of An Giang province, and Ganh Hao commune of Ca Mau province, attracting nearly 1,000 participants and generating significant public interest and communication effects./.
