Ninh Binh determined to fight against illegal fishing

Many positive results

Ninh Binh has a coastline of nearly 20 km, 68 fishing vessels, of which 8 are 15 m or longer in length, operating offshore (currently only 6 vessels are still operating); 25 vessels are 12-15 m in length, operating offshore; 35 fishing vessels are 6-12 m in length, mainly operating in coastal areas and inlets. The average seafood output reaches nearly 2 thousand tons/year.

Thus, compared to 28 coastal provinces and cities across the country, Ninh Binh has the longest coastline and the smallest fishing fleet. However, closely following the requirements of the task of preventing and combating IUU fishing, with the highest sense of responsibility, in recent times, the province has resolutely and synchronously deployed many solutions to combat IUU fishing, overcome the recommendations of the EC, strengthen inspection and control, and quickly rectify activities at sea.

In particular, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has closely coordinated with the Provincial Border Guard Command and local authorities to review, count and grasp the current situation of the entire number of fishing vessels. Focus on propaganda, mobilization and raising awareness for households about the law in the field of fisheries, regulations when going to sea, about the protection of aquatic resources and environmental protection. At the same time, strictly inspect and control fishing vessels and workers participating in fishing activities according to the provisions of law before leaving ports, river mouths and inlets.

In 2023, the provincial authorities inspected and sanctioned administrative violations in the fisheries sector according to Decree No. 42/2019/ND-CP of the Government for 42 cases, collecting VND 242 million for the State Treasury. The main violations were: fishing in the wrong fishing area, not carrying full documents, not having a name in the crew register, using electric shock tools for fishing. However, the violations were mainly vessels from other provinces fishing in Ninh Binh waters.

By vigorously implementing propaganda measures combined with sanctions, up to now, 100% of Ninh Binh's fishing vessels have been granted registration certificates, fishing licenses and completed the marking of fishing vessels according to regulations; 6 fishing vessels operating offshore have all installed voyage monitoring equipment. Currently, our province has no cases of fishing vessels violating regulations on areas, prohibited fishing zones, or violating foreign waters. Regarding the confirmation and certification of the origin of exploited aquatic products, inspection and supervision of fishing vessels and the output unloaded through the port, although Ninh Binh does not have a fishing port, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has closely coordinated with Lach Bang port (Tinh Gia, Thanh Hoa) and Ninh Co port (Nam Dinh) to collect fishing logs for 6 offshore fishing vessels registered to anchor at these 2 ports.

From free fishing, now with training and guidance from the government and professional agencies, Mr. Nguyen Van Cuong (Hamlet 4, Kim Dong Commune, Kim Son District) - owner of fishing boat NB00409-TS seriously follows regulations in fishing such as: Hanging the national flag, painting the boat according to its structure, fishing in the sea according to regulations and complying with legal procedures with the Border Guard force. "After being informed, I understand the purpose and meaning of combating IUU fishing. I always strictly comply and also encourage my relatives, brothers and friends to comply with the State's regulations in the process of fishing at sea in the role of Team Leader of the Safe Boat Team". - Mr. Cuong shared.

Owning two offshore fishing vessels, Mr. Nguyen Van Manh (Hamlet 7B, Con Thoi Commune, Kim Son District) said: Every time I go offshore, in addition to fishing gear, ice, and food, I fully check the journey monitoring equipment, ICOM, and walkie-talkies to avoid disconnection, and my vessel has never violated fishing in foreign waters. I think this is not only for the dignity of the country and people, but also beneficial for us fishermen, because if everyone joins hands with the State to strictly implement the provisions of the law, the "Yellow Card" will be removed and the output for caught products will be more favorable.

Continue to conduct general inspections, reviews, and strictly handle violations.

According to Mr. Do Van Chuan, Head of the Department of Exploitation and Development of Aquatic Resources, Department of Fisheries, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through propaganda work, fishermen have had many changes in awareness and actions in complying with regulations on combating IUU fishing. Ninh Binh is considered a locality that seriously and promptly implements regulations on combating IUU fishing. However, besides the achieved results, the implementation of regulations on combating IUU fishing in Ninh Binh still has some shortcomings and problems. The main reason is that most of the province's fishing vessels are small in length and capacity, operating in offshore and coastal areas, anchored in waterways because there are no fishing ports, so the management of these vessels is still difficult. Seafood exploited from these vessels is mainly consumed domestically, sold to small-scale warehouses and traders and the origin of exploitation cannot be confirmed or certified. In addition, the fishermen's fishing logs are sometimes not detailed and clear as required.

To overcome the above problems, in the coming time, the specialized sector will advise the province to continue to synchronously and drastically implement solutions to combat IUU fishing. In particular, focusing on thoroughly grasping, seriously and fully implementing the directives, resolutions and plans of the Central and the province on the task of preventing and combating IUU fishing in the new situation, creating a strong change in awareness of the role and importance of combating IUU fishing. Strengthening propaganda and dissemination of laws, raising awareness for vehicle owners, captains, fishermen, owners of establishments, enterprises, seafood purchasing vessels... about the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws related to marine fishing activities.

Further tighten the management of fishing vessels in terms of registration, licensing, inspection and control. Strengthen the supervision and management of fishing vessels, coordinate well in managing the recording of fishing logs, reporting on fishing, and tracing the origin of aquatic products exploited at sea. Closely coordinate between forces to patrol and inspect fishing activities at sea, strictly handle violations. Regularly and promptly update and edit the list of fishing vessels of the province on VNfishbase to provide data to the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Fisheries Surveillance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Believe that, with the determination, efforts and efforts of the functional sector and the companionship and support of fishermen in the fight against IUU fishing, Ninh Binh and the whole country will soon successfully remove the EC's "Yellow Card" warning for the Vietnamese fisheries industry, moving towards sustainable fisheries development, ensuring livelihoods for fishermen.

Article and photos: Nguyen Luu

Source