An Giang (VNA) – An Giang province has stepped up efforts to implement directives and conclusions issued by the government, the Prime Minister and the National Steering Committee for Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. These measures have gradually shown positive results, helping local fisheries governance become more disciplined and law-abiding.
The province has carried out a wide range of solutions to prevent IUU violations, with a special focus on cases involving illegal fishing in foreign waters. Numerous cases have been prosecuted, serving as strong deterrence. Provincial authorities have mobilised multiple resources to strictly manage vessels that do not meet operating qualifications, resolutely preventing them from going out to the sea.
The provincial fisheries sector has strictly supervised vessels operating in fishing grounds, ensuring that 100% of vessels are updated on the national VNFishbase database and 100% are equipped with VMS tracking devices as required. Competent forces have also worked closely with coastal localities to raise fishermen’s awareness of legal compliance, while fully implementing the European Commission (EC)'s recommendations to protect marine sovereignty and develop the maritime economy.
An Giang police have prosecuted 51 criminal cases related to IUU fishing, of which 43 cases have been transferred to the provincial People’s Procuracy. Seventeen cases, involving 29 defendants, were charged with fishing in foreign waters; five cases concerned illegal transport of aquatic goods across borders. In total, the provincial People’s Court has tried 29 criminal cases related to IUU violations.
Provincial authorities stressed that public trials and strict rulings play an important educational role, helping fishermen understand the legal consequences of violating maritime regulations and discouraging ventures into foreign waters.
Between 2024 and 2025, administrative fines were imposed on 20 fishing vessels, totalling over 18 billion VND (683,000 USD).
In early December 2025, police arrested and prosecuted Nguyen Thanh Duy, captain of vessel KG-90752-TS, on charges of “organising illegal exit.” His crew was previously detained by Thai forces in January 2024 and repatriated in September 2024. The case is currently under further investigation./.
