Quang Ninh (VNA) - With its long coastline and vast fishing grounds, the northern province of Quang Ninh holds major potential for developing the maritime economy. Yet this also brings significant challenges, particularly in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Local authorities and border forces have intensified patrols and enforcement while working alongside fishermen to ensure safe and lawful operations at sea.
Co To island, a special zone, more than 60 nautical miles offshore, is a key fishing ground for the province. Its surrounding waters are rich in valuable marine species, sustaining thousands of livelihoods while requiring strict protection. Border guards stationed on Co To conduct frequent patrols to inspect fishing vessels, strictly penalising violations such as the use of banned gear or entering into restricted waters. Their constant presence has become a source of reassurance for local fishermen.
Nguyen Thi Thom, a fisherwoman from Duong Hoa commune, said going out to sea carries many risks, especially when storms strike without warning, but thanks to the regular patrols and timely support of the border guards, local fishers feel much safer to continue their work.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Duy Tuan of Co To Border Guard Station noted that outreach and education are considered “key” alongside patrols. Officers regularly meet fishermen at anchorages and during patrols to explain legal requirements, advising them to avoid encroaching on foreign waters or using prohibited gear. This approach has gradually fostered compliance and reduced IUU practices.
At the Van Gia Border Gate area, which covers Vinh Thuc island commune and Van Gia international port near the Chinese border, authorities have also strengthened monitoring. The Van Gia Border Guard Station has set up “Clean Sea Groups” involving local fishermen, who pledge not to engage in IUU fishing or use banned equipment. They also collect plastic waste and damaged nets after trips, helping to keep the port environment clean, and promptly report violations to the border force. This community-based model has markedly improved fishermen’s awareness of sustainable practices.
Under the direction of the Prime Minister, Quang Ninh has reviewed vessel registration, licensing and inspections, while accelerating the update of vessel-owner data onto the national fisheries database (VNFishbase) and introducing electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT).
In the first half of 2025, authorities inspected more than 4,200 fishing vessels and handled 97 IUU cases with fines exceeding 1.2 billion VND (45,469 USD). All vessels of 15 metres or longer are now equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS), with 97.7% of vessel-owner data uploaded to VNFishbase. Weekly lists of high-risk vessels or those disconnected from VMS for over 10 days are circulated to border stations for timely action.
Alongside enforcement, the province has zoned more than 45,000 hectares of marine space for aquaculture, aiming to promote hi-tech sea farming to gradually replace small-scale operations. By encouraging the use of modern cages and automated monitoring, Quang Ninh seeks to provide stable livelihoods, boost export value and ease pressure on natural fishing grounds, moving towards a legal, responsible and sustainable fisheries sector.
These measures reflect Quang Ninh’s determination to combat IUU fishing, while contributing significantly to Vietnam’s efforts to have the European Commission's “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports lifted./.
