Ha Tinh province has extended eCDT coverage to 100% of its fishing vessels.

With 451 fishing vessels, Hai Ninh ward has completed the installation and deployment of the eCDT electronic seafood traceability software for 100% of its vessels. This application, running on smartphones and computers, supports the management and traceability of harvested seafood, facilitating procedures for fishermen and businesses, and contributing to a transparent and responsible seafood production system.

To achieve this result, the local authorities did not just stop at propaganda but implemented a "go to each boat, guide each person" approach. A detailed list of fishing vessels was compiled, and officials were assigned to each group, directly monitoring the area to assist with installation and usage instructions. Older fishermen, unfamiliar with the technology, received hands-on training until they became proficient.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phu (Tien Thang residential area, Hai Ninh ward) shared: "Initially, it was difficult because I wasn't used to using a phone, but after being guided a few times, I was able to do it. Now, every time I go to the beach, I just need to operate the software, which is much faster and clearer than before, so the people feel more at ease."

The implementation of eCDT in Hai Ninh ward aligns with the province's overall requirements in combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. Following directives from the Prime Minister and the Ha Tinh IUU Steering Committee, from January 1, 2026, all fishing vessels entering and leaving ports must electronically declare their catch; simultaneously, local authorities must guide and encourage vessel owners, purchasing facilities, and businesses to participate in the system. Based on this, the locality quickly concretized the plan with a practical approach, assigning responsibility to each department and implementing it simultaneously in all vessel mooring areas. Beyond simply disseminating regulations, Hai Ninh ward chose a practical approach, focusing on the effectiveness of the system for fishermen. Software installation, operational guidance, and verification were conducted continuously throughout the implementation process.

Mr. Nguyen Ho Phuong, Deputy Head of the Economic , Infrastructure and Urban Planning Department of Hai Ninh Ward People's Committee, said: "The initial difficulty was changing the habits of fishermen, especially the elderly. Therefore, we prioritized direct guidance and demonstrations right on the boats so that people could easily understand. Once the fishermen became familiar with the system, implementation became smoother. The local authorities also requested the participation of purchasing agents to ensure data connectivity for long-term management."

Along with coastal localities, the application of eCDT is being implemented synchronously at fishing ports – a crucial step in controlling fishing activities. At Cua Sot fishing port (Loc Ha commune), all vessels must make electronic declarations when entering and leaving the port, and the data is immediately updated to the system for management purposes. The implementation of eCDT is considered an important step in completing the traceability of harvested seafood, contributing to increased transparency, meeting the requirements of combating IUU fishing, and moving towards sustainable fisheries development.

Observations at Cua Sot fishing port show that many fishermen have gradually adapted to the new method. Instead of manual record-keeping as before, the procedures for declaring voyages, catch, or completing paperwork are now done on smartphones, shortening the time and reducing errors. At the port area, control work is carried out with the coordination of many forces. In addition to inspection duties, the units also directly assist fishermen in installing and using the software, especially for those who are new to it.

Major Tran Van Duy, Head of Cua Sot Border Guard Station, said: "We closely coordinate with relevant forces to control fishing vessels entering and leaving the port, and at the same time guide fishermen to declare their activities on the system. This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also helps people gradually form a habit of responsible fishing."

To date, Ha Tinh province has 3,900 fishing vessels with a length of 6 meters or more that have completed the installation and use of the eCDT software, achieving a 100% rate. Fishing vessel data is synchronized on the national fisheries database system (VNFishbase), creating a foundation for monitoring and controlling fishing activities in a unified and transparent manner. Along with this, fleet management continues to be tightened, with over 92% of vessels still having valid registration and nearly 100% of vessels having been licensed for fishing. Vessels that do not meet the requirements are placed under strict monitoring and management to prevent them from participating in activities at sea.

The completion of the eCDT installation is not only a technical achievement but also demonstrates a significant shift in fisheries management – ​​from manual to digital, from passive to proactive control. The synchronized involvement of the government, localities, functional forces, and fishermen is gradually establishing discipline in fisheries exploitation. This is also an important foundation for Ha Tinh, along with the rest of the country, to effectively implement the EC's recommendations, aiming to lift the IUU "yellow card" warning and build a transparent and sustainable fisheries sector.