Propose to seriously implement anti-IUU fishing

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has just issued a document requesting the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to urgently implement strong measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in preparation for working with the 4th Inspection Delegation of the European Commission in October 2023.

Accordingly, resolutely prevent local fishing vessels and fishermen from continuing to illegally exploit seafood in foreign waters. Strengthen forces, assign responsibility to border guards, police, local authorities (commune/ward/town level) to grasp the basic/key areas where fishing vessels and fishermen violate; assign officers in charge of each fishing vessel owner to propagate, mobilize, deter, prevent, and promptly handle cases showing signs of preparing to send vessels/fishermen to illegally exploit seafood in foreign waters. Assign the Provincial Border Guard Command to preside over and coordinate with functional forces and local authorities inside and outside the province to investigate, verify, and thoroughly handle local fishing vessels (BTh-96328-TS) seized by foreign countries. Review and unify among functional forces the data on local fishing vessels seized and handled by foreign countries; especially the data on fishing vessels violating foreign waters.

Complete 100% of registration, inspection, and licensing of fishing activities according to regulations, fully update on the national fisheries database (VNFishbase). Effectively implement exploitation and use of the fishing vessel monitoring system (VMS) to monitor and supervise fishing vessel activities at sea. In addition, it is necessary to inspect and control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports in the field, especially fishing vessels with a length of 24 meters or more docking at ports. Collect and submit fishing logs with cross-checking with VMS data to promptly detect and handle cases of wrong-area operations. In addition, it is necessary to monitor 100% of the exploited aquatic products unloaded locally, ensuring traceability of the exploited aquatic products, not violating IUU; initially focusing on vessels of 15 meters or more.

Urgently review confirmation and certification records to ensure traceability of exploited aquatic products.

In addition, focus on investigating, verifying and handling cases of IUU fishing violations. Verify and thoroughly handle 5 fishing vessels of 24 meters or more that have lost connection for more than 10 days as announced by the Department of Fisheries, to be completed before September 30, 2023. Inspect and handle 100% of violations of fishing logs, fishing vessels operating in the wrong areas, crossing maritime boundaries, disconnecting from VMS...; especially violations of illegal fishing in foreign waters, ensuring full records for handling according to regulations. In addition, continue to inform, propagate, train and mobilize coastal fishing communities and related organizations and individuals to comply with legal regulations on IUU...

Resolved 5 fishing boats of 24 meters or more that lost connection for more than 10 days.

To prepare for working with the EC Inspection Delegation, it is necessary to proactively organize inspection, examination, supervision and urging of local agencies, functional forces and exporting enterprises to implement regulations against IUU fishing. Review and strictly handle the responsibilities of organizations and individuals who do not complete assigned tasks. Develop scenarios and detailed plans, prepare all the best conditions to prepare to welcome and work with the European Commission Inspection Delegation.

Mr. VAN

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/de-nghi-thuc-hien-nghiem-tuc-chong-khai-thac-iuu-112070.html