Joint Patrols Launched to Combat IUU Fishing

(DTO) Implementing the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1516 on the action plan to address the European Commission’s (EC) recommendations following its fifth inspection on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, on November 9 and 10, 2026, the Region 5 Fisheries Surveillance Sub-Department under the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance coordinated with the Dong Thap Fisheries Sub-Department and the Ho Chi Minh City Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance Sub-Department to conduct joint patrols in the coastal waters of Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Thap Province.

During the patrols, the forces focused on inspecting fishing activities, fishing vessel operating conditions and the required equipment installed on vessels operating at sea.

Inspections found that, in general, fishing vessels were complying well with regulations. In parallel, authorities directly disseminated IUU fishing regulations to captains, vessel owners and fishermen, while presenting national flags and life buoys to encourage fishermen to continue their offshore activities with confidence and comply with established legal requirements. 

Director Nguyen Tien Diet of the Dong Thap Fisheries Sub-Department  said joint patrols among the forces helped improve the effectiveness of management and control of fishing activities at sea, while contributing to maritime security, order and safety in the fishing industry.

Through the operation, the forces aim to further raise fishermen’s awareness and compliance with the law, joining nationwide efforts to effectively implement measures against IUU fishing and help Vietnam’s seafood sector have the EC’s yellow card warning lifted at an early date.

By HOAN QUAN
Translated by X.QUANG