World · Vietnam Bureau
An Giang strengthens oversight of unlicensed vessels to curb illegal fishing
An Giang province is intensifying management of fishing vessels operating without proper authorization as part of broader efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Vietnamese waters.
LSN Vietnam ·
Provincial authorities in An Giang have ordered relevant departments and local administrations to establish comprehensive oversight of all vessels that lack valid operating licenses, according to directives issued by Vice Chairman of the People's Committee Ngo Cong Thuc.
Under the new measures, officials must maintain updated records of non-compliant fishing vessels, continuously monitor their locations and anchorages, and prevent them from conducting any fishing operations. The move reflects mounting concern among provincial officials about the prevalence of unlicensed maritime activity in the region.
The crackdown on unregistered vessels forms part of a coordinated response to IUU fishing, which continues to threaten Vietnam's marine resources and fisheries sector. Similar initiatives have been launched in other coastal provinces including Khanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City, which have implemented enhanced traceability systems and strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
Official directives indicate that provincial authorities view stricter vessel management as essential to ensuring compliance with national and international fisheries regulations. The enforcement effort underscores the government's commitment to protecting Vietnam's fishing industry and marine ecosystems from illegal exploitation.