The southern province of Kien Giang, home to over 9,700 fishing vessels, including 3,500 offshore boats, has intensified measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, joining efforts in seeking the European Commission’s (EC)'s removal of its "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood.
Border guard units there have implemented strict inspections and public awareness campaigns, emphasising legal fishing regulations. The Phao Dai Border Station, which oversees over 300 offshore vessels, has also paid heed to the information work.
Nguyen Cao Cuong, a fishery safety group leader in Ha Tien city, highlighted his fleet’s adherence to regulations, including maintaining the vessel monitoring system (VMS), carrying operation licenses, and avoiding restricted areas or foreign waters.
Vo Truong Giang, a vessel owner from Ba Ria-Vung Tau province operating near Kien Giang's Phu Quoc island, noted his reduced profits due to declining fish stocks, but expressed his commitment to legal fishing practices.
The border guard and other forces have conducted regular patrols and inspections, handled violations, and confiscated illegal fishing gear. In 2024, the Ha Tien Border Post has processed 1,930 vessel entering and exiting, organised 35 sea patrols, and penalised 10 cases, with fines worth over 300 million VND (11,800 USD).
The province has achieved 100% registration and licensing of its fishing vessels, all equipped with VMS devices. Collaborations with nearby provinces, including Ca Mau, and competent units such as the navy and coast guard have proven effective in the IUU fishing combat.
Colonel Doan Dinh Tranh, Deputy Political Commissar of the Border Guard Command of Kien Giang, emphasised the ongoing efforts to prevent IUU fishing, ensuring sustainable fisheries and contributing to having the EC’s "yellow card" lifted.
