Disseminating Anti-IUU Fishing Regulations to Over 100 Fishermen in Gia Thuan Commune

(DTO) On January 16, in Gia Thuan Commune, the Dong Thap Provincial Sub-Department of Fisheries, in coordination with Kieng Phuoc Border Guard Station under the Provincial Border Guard Command, organized a session to disseminate regulations on seafood exploitation and anti-IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing for more than 100 local fishermen.

During the session, fishermen and fishing vessel owners were briefed by presenters on Circulars from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding: seafood certification for products exported to the U.S. market; regulations on recording and submitting fishing logs and reports; vessel inspection and catch monitoring at ports; the list of illegal fishing vessels; and the certification of seafood origins.

They also covered regulations concerning fishing vessel inspectors; technical safety assurance; registration and de-registration of fishing vessels, public service vessels, and aquaculture support vessels; flag-flying and marking of vessels; importing fishing vessels; and the classification and announcement of opening or closing fishing ports.

The session also disseminated resolutions of the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Council on policies supporting occupational transition and decommissioning for fishing vessels no longer operating in the province, as well as support policies for upgrading and replacing vessel monitoring systems (VMS). 

In addition, participants were informed of decisions by the Provincial People’s Committee issuing lists of prohibited fishing gears and trades; areas subject to temporary fishing bans within the province; and the rollout of electronic logbooks for fishing vessels with a length of 12 meters or more.

In addition, the presenters provided information on sea fishing operations and penalties for violations of IUU regulations. They addressed inquiries regarding how to record electronic logs and reminded fishermen to fully equip themselves with the required documents and safety gear before setting sail.

The dissemination session aimed to raise the awareness of organizations, businesses, individuals, fishermen, and vessel owners in complying with seafood exploitation and anti-IUU regulations, with the determination to have the EC's "yellow card" warning removed in the near future.

 By DOAN PHAT - H. NAM
Translated X.QUANG