Decision in peak until September 2024

In recent times, the departments, agencies and localities in the province have made great efforts and determination in implementing tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing under the direction of the Secretariat, the Prime Minister, the National Steering Committee on IUU, overcoming the shortcomings and limitations that the working group of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development pointed out during the inspection in Binh Thuan. In particular, they have focused on implementing a large volume of tasks and work assigned by the Provincial People's Committee and related directives.

Overcoming 4 limitations

However, there are still some tasks and tasks that are slow to be resolved, not keeping up with the progress, and the implementation results are still very limited. The granting of fishing licenses to registered fishing vessels is slow. Up to now, the whole province still has 1,862 fishing vessels that do not have or have expired licenses (the most are Tuy Phong with 422 vessels; Phan Thiet with 528 vessels; La Gi: 534 vessels; Phu Quy with 342 vessels). In addition, the implementation of temporary registration and registration for "3 no" fishing vessels has only stopped at the planning stage, and has not been implemented in practice. Law enforcement and handling of violations have not been drastic, and the handling results are very limited compared to the actual violations, especially cases of fishing vessels losing connection to VMS equipment have not been thoroughly handled. The progress of repairing, overcoming damage, infrastructure degradation, and environmental sanitation at fishing ports is still very slow.

The whole province still has 1,862 fishing boats without or with expired licenses. Photo: N. Lan.

In that situation, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Hong Hai concluded and proposed a number of tasks and solutions that need to be focused on in the coming time. Accordingly, agencies, units and localities continue to thoroughly grasp and seriously implement tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing under the direction of the Standing Secretariat, the Prime Minister, the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU, and the direction of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee. Especially the drastic directions of the Provincial People's Committee related to handling "3 no" vessels; responsibility for handling violations in IUU fishing; on the list and solutions to control high-risk fishing vessels; on the head who must directly lead, direct and be responsible for the results of implementing tasks to combat IUU fishing related to the industry, field and area under his/her charge...

Complete the issuance of registration and fishing licenses for "3 no" fishing vessels in the province in September 2024. Photo: N. Lan

In particular, focus on organizing and implementing the registration and issuance of fishing licenses for "3 no" fishing vessels according to Circular No. 06/2024/TT BNNPTNT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Request the People's Committees of coastal districts, towns and cities to direct functional forces and commune-level People's Committees to actively support fishermen in carrying out official registration procedures for "3 no" vessels at the Public Administration Center to ensure the completion of registration and fishing licenses for "3 no" fishing vessels in the province in September 2024. Particularly, for the People's Committees of Tuy Phong district and La Gi town, it is requested to direct the Tax Department to urgently support and guide fishermen in carrying out procedures for declaring registration fees for fishing vessels to carry out registration and inspection according to the instructions of the Provincial Tax Department.

Control 100% of fishing vessels entering and leaving fishing ports and temporary wharves.

Must complete specific tasks

In addition, the People's Committees of coastal districts, towns and cities are requested to continue directing commune-level authorities and functional forces to grasp the situation and closely monitor high-risk fishing vessels. At the same time, urgently organize meetings to discuss and agree and issue documents assigning specific tasks to each unit and individual in charge; clearly define mechanisms and measures to monitor and supervise each fishing vessel. At the same time, the Provincial Border Guard Command directed the force to coordinate with local authorities to closely monitor the fishing vessel BTh -96962 -TS (owner Le Thien, Hamlet 11, Chi Cong Commune, Tuy Phong District), which has not installed VMS equipment and is anchored at Ca Na Fishing Port, Ninh Thuan Province. At the same time, notify the Border Guard force of neighboring provinces to strictly control and resolutely not allow it to leave port when it does not ensure the conditions for practicing according to regulations. In addition, direct the Coast Guard force to coordinate with relevant forces to organize a peak period from now until September 30, 2024, controlling 100% of fishing vessels entering and leaving ports and temporary ports. The head is responsible if fishing vessels complete procedures to leave ports and operate without ensuring operating conditions. Resolutely handle 100% of violations, no prohibited areas, no exceptions. Coordinate to monitor, control and closely supervise fishing vessels at high risk of violating foreign waters, especially fishing vessels operating in waters bordering other countries, and Binh Thuan fishing vessels operating and departing from ports outside the province.

La Gi fishing port (photo: N. Lan)

Request the Provincial Police to focus on directing, grasping the situation, investigating and handling acts of brokerage, collusion to bring fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally exploit in foreign waters; signs of sending and carrying voyage monitoring devices and acts showing signs of intentionally disconnecting VMS at sea to violate foreign waters, taking advantage of State policies. Continue to coordinate with the Border Guard force and local authorities to closely monitor and manage captains and fishermen arrested and released by foreign countries to closely monitor and prevent re-offending... People's Committees of coastal districts, towns and cities that have not yet developed a process to handle IUU violations according to Decree No. 38/2024/ND-CP dated April 5, 2024 of the Government must urgently complete it before July 15, 2024 to organize implementation, improve the effectiveness of law enforcement and handle violations.

In particular, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is assigned to preside over and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to handle difficulties and shortcomings in the management and control of IUU fishing and environmental pollution at La Gi fishing port, especially measures to immediately handle the situation of sewers and stagnant, foul-smelling pools in the 200-400 CV wharf area. The Management Board of Construction Investment Projects for Agriculture and Rural Development works needs to focus on dredging the water area in front of the 400 CV wharf to ensure progress according to the direction of the Provincial People's Committee.

At the same time, continue to discuss and agree on solutions to problems in confirming fishing vessels of Phu Quy district operating in offshore areas, entering ports at Phu Quy Port and at designated fishing ports. If necessary, consult the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to resolve issues in accordance with the actual situation and regulations...

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/chong-khai-thac-iuu-su-quyet-dinh-trong-cao-diem-den-thang-9-2024-120351.html