In recent times, Gia Lai province has implemented many urgent solutions to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, towards sustainable development of the seafood industry.
In particular, the management of fishing vessels is tightened. As of August 25, all 5,827 fishing vessels with a length of 6m or more have been registered and updated to the National Fisheries Database system (VNFishbase). 100% of fishing vessels have been reviewed and supplemented with information; nearly 1,000 "3 no" fishing vessels (no registration, no inspection, no fishing license) have completed registration, only 9 vessels are not qualified.
Currently, 3,151 fishing vessels with a length of 15m or more (reaching a rate of more than 99%) and 193/209 vessels with a length of 12m to less than 15m fishing in the southern provinces have installed voyage monitoring devices (VMS). The relevant agencies strictly implemented the traceability of aquatic products, and none of the shipments were returned.
However, the situation of fishing vessels violating the law still occurs. From March to May 2024, 10 fishing vessels were detained abroad; the Provincial People's Committee has sanctioned 8 cases with a total amount of more than 7.2 billion VND, 2 vessels were prosecuted.
From 2024 to present, the province's functional sector has handled 228 cases of violations of VMS disconnection, exceeding the exploitation boundary, with a total fine of more than 8.1 billion VND.
In the face of the above situation, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan emphasized that removing the IUU "yellow card" is a national task, related to the honor of the country. Therefore, the entire political system must resolutely take action, completely handle the shortcomings and limitations, and complete them by September 15 at the latest.
According to the direction, the Department of Agriculture and Environment coordinates with coastal localities and related units to conduct a general inspection and review of all fishing vessels for screening and classification for monitoring.
Require ship owners to extend inspection, exploitation and installation licenses and VMS before being able to go to sea. In case the ship is damaged, transferred or no longer operating locally, it is necessary to carry out the dissemination procedure (deletes registration, terminates exploitation).
Resolutely do not allow ships to expire their documents, do not install VMS to go to sea; strictly monitor anchorage locations, list fishing vessels in the community, seal and lock violating ships, arrange centralized anchorage, do not leave fishing gear on the ship...
Mobilize fishing vessels that are not qualified to operate to giai giai. At the same time, there are policies to support and create livelihoods for fishermen in the direction of developing aquaculture and processing, gradually reducing natural exploitation.
The authorities strictly control 100% of fishing vessels entering and leaving the port, especially those anchored at the shore; do not let them go to sea without installing voyage monitoring devices (VMS). In case the fishing vessels are not qualified to go offshore for exploitation, the relevant unit must be responsible to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.
Implement strong measures to prevent fishing vessels of the province from illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters; assign responsibility to heads of Party committees, authorities at all levels and functional forces for the implementation results.
