Over the past time, Tien Giang has kept close control of the fleet of fishing boats. (Photo: VNA) The locality said it will quickly investigate,verify and handle any case of brokering and facilitating illegal operations inforeign waters by local fishing vessels and fishermen.
The move is in anticipation of the fourth inspectionby the EC delegation over Vietnam's efforts to combat IUU fishing from October10-18.
Over the past time, Tien Giang has kept close control of the fleet of fishing boats, including the total number of vessels, their registration, operational licences, installationof the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), and information updates on the National FisheriesDatabase (VNFishbase).
Any violation of fishing regulations, especiallythat on VMS installation, has been strictly handled.
Apart from seafood traceability, local competent forceshave inspected the operations of businesses that specialise in processingaquatic products for export to the European market.
Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee Phan VanTrong said Tien Giang has consolidated its steering committee for IUU fishingcombat, and coordinated with other localities in the field.
Attention has been paid to popularising the 2017Fisheries Law and documents guiding its implementation, among others, throughdiverse activities.
Such efforts have paid off as no cases of fishing boatsencroaching on foreign waters were reported in the province in 2022 and thefirst eight months of this year.
In September, Tien Giang imposed finesworth nearly 160 million VND (6,570 USD) on 22 individuals for their violationsof fishing regulations such as captains lacking working licences, not keeping fishing diary and removing VMSs.
Currently, all operating fishing boats in the localityhave completed registration, and have their information updates on VNFishbase.
Trong said the province will step up the informationwork in the time ahead to raise the awareness of all stakeholders about IUUfishing, adding the committee has assigned the Department of Agriculture andRural Development to continue reviewing fishing vessels, while coordinatingwith other competent forces in this regard./.
VNA
