On October 27, the Provincial People’s Committee issued Plan No. 2385/QĐ-UBND, marking the start of the month-prolonged campaign for combating IUU fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries development. The plan calls for strict enforcement of the 2017 Fisheries Law and related regulations to ensure comprehensive compliance and sustainable marine management.
Under the directive, all fishing vessels must maintain uninterrupted connection with the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). By November 15, 2025, no vessel will be allowed to lose signal for more than six hours without reporting its position, remain disconnected for over 10 days without returning to port, or cross restricted fishing boundaries.
Chairman Phạm Anh Tuấn instructed all departments, sectors, and coastal localities to unify leadership and take decisive action against EC-flagged violations. The province emphasized accountability across all administrative levels, following the principle of “People know, people understand, people trust, people follow, and people act.”
To strengthen enforcement, authorities have ordered intensified patrols, inspections, and investigations. The Border Guard Command, provincial Police, and relevant departments must develop clear roadmaps and fulfill the “five clears” criteria: clear assignment of people, tasks, timelines, results, and responsibilities.
Local communities are also mobilized. In Hoài Nhơn Bắc Ward, Vice Chairman Trần Minh Lâm reported that all 1,299 vessels between 6 and 24 meters in length have been registered in the national fisheries database.
Three unregistered vessels and 50 smaller boats are under local management. Currently, 100% of offshore vessels (15-24 meters) are equipped with VMS devices, and 165 vessels have electronic logbooks. Authorities aim for 100% e-logbook coverage for all vessels over 15 meters by year-end.
At Đề Gi Fishing Port, authorities are maintaining 24-hour patrols to control vessel entries and exits. The port currently manages 583 fishing vessels, including 237 offshore boats. Forty vessels were found ineligible due to expired licenses or registrations. The Đề Gi Commune People’s Committee, in coordination with the Cát Khánh Border Guard Station, has required owners to complete all documentation before returning to sea and prohibited ineligible vessels from anchoring near the port.
Vice Chairman Trịnh Minh Bình said officials are assigned to monitor each vessel and are held accountable for any violations. The commune also assists fishermen in renewing fishing licenses and registration documents.
Meanwhile, Nhơn Châu island commune has intensified awareness campaigns to end IUU fishing practices. Of its 59 vessels, 49 are licensed while 10 with expired permits remain anchored. Standing Vice Chairman Nguyễn Văn Bé said local authorities, along with the Border Guard and Police, are stepping up patrols and cracking down on the use of trawl nets and electric shock fishing.
Gia Lai’s decisive campaign underscores Vietnam’s broader commitment to sustainable fisheries and the removal of the EC’s “yellow card” warning, a key step toward protecting marine resources and maintaining seafood export credibility.
