Quang Ngai province sets strict deadline for fishing vessel monitoring system

Officials in Quang Ngai province are accelerating implementation of the region's anti-IUU fishing strategy, with authorities establishing firm deadlines for the deployment of electronic catch documentation tracking systems.

During a meeting on October 27 to assess progress on IUU fishing prevention initiatives, Do Tam Hien, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, directed local departments and administrative bodies to meet established installation timelines for the monitoring equipment. The electronic systems are designed to provide round-the-clock tracking of fishing vessels identified as carrying elevated risk for IUU violations.

The move reflects growing international pressure on Southeast Asian nations to combat illegal fishing, which undermines regional maritime security and depletes fish stocks. Vietnam has faced scrutiny from major trading partners over inadequate enforcement mechanisms, prompting provinces with significant fishing industries to strengthen monitoring capacity.

Quang Ngai province, home to a substantial fishing fleet, has positioned itself as a leader in anti-IUU efforts. The province's comprehensive approach combines technological solutions with coordinated oversight from multiple government agencies tasked with marine resource management and law enforcement.

Authorities have not disclosed the specific completion date for the eCDT installation program, but the provincial leadership's emphasis on urgent implementation suggests deployment is expected within the coming months.

Photo: Fishing boats moored at the Tinh Hoa fishing port, Quang Ngai province, Vietnam, March 2023. Nguyensonca via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).