Quang Tri tightens fishing fleet monitoring to combat illegal fishing

Quang Tri Province has intensified management of its fishing fleet, requiring vessel operators to keep monitoring systems active and properly connected at all times. The directive comes as the province prepares for potential European Commission inspections related to IUU fishing compliance.

Fishery officials have emphasized that the obligation extends beyond vessels actively at sea, with boats remaining in port or ashore subject to the same monitoring and documentation requirements. The timing is particularly significant as Vietnam's fishing industry enters the storm and rainy season, when weather conditions often complicate compliance efforts.

The move reflects broader national efforts to eliminate IUU fishing practices, which have drawn international scrutiny and threatened Vietnam's seafood export market. Provincial authorities have implemented stricter enforcement mechanisms to ensure fishermen adhere to monitoring protocols and maintain complete vessel documentation.

Village authorities and fishery cooperatives have been tasked with supporting compliance efforts, working with fishermen to address technical and operational challenges in maintaining continuous system connectivity. Officials warned that vessels failing to meet monitoring standards face potential penalties and operational restrictions.

Photo: Fishing boats on the Ben Hai River at Cua Tung, Gio Linh district, Quang Tri province, Vietnam. Phương Huy via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).