On March 11, the People's Committee of Da Nang City announced that it had reported on the results of key tasks to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and preparations for the 5th inspection of the European Commission (EC).
According to the report, Da Nang has vigorously implemented the Central's instructions, achieving many positive results. Regarding the work of propagating and disseminating the law, the city has organized 29 propaganda sessions for more than 1,600 fishermen. At the same time, they worked directly with over 2,300 fishing boat owners to guide regulations and administrative procedures.
In the management of fishing vessels, Da Nang has completed the painting of markings and registration numbers for 100% of fishing vessels that are eligible for operation. 85 unqualified fishing vessels are being closely monitored and supervised. The city has also fully updated data of all fishing vessels into the National Fisheries Database.
Regarding monitoring fishing vessel activities, Da Nang maintains 24/7 monitoring through the fishing vessel monitoring system (VMS). The city has also handled cases of fishing vessels losing VMS connection, while supporting fishermen to fix technical problems. To date, no fishing boat from Da Nang violating foreign waters has been arrested.
At Tho Quang fishing port, 100% of fishing vessels arriving at the port have submitted fishing logs and have their unloaded output checked and supervised. From October 2023 to present, there have been 12,666 fishing vessels arriving at the port with a total output of more than 65,765 tons.
Regarding law enforcement, since October 2023, Da Nang has organized 19 inspections and patrols at sea and at fishing ports, detecting 512 fishing vessels with signs of violations. Of which, 33 fishing vessels were fined with a total amount of 789 million VND.
In addition to the achieved results, the City People's Committee also frankly acknowledged some shortcomings and limitations, notably the shortage of fishing labor, leading to many fishing vessels having to temporarily suspend operations, affecting the progress of inspection and licensing. There are still 85 fishing vessels registered but not qualified to operate.
