In order to strictly implement regulations on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Can Tho City is focusing on strengthening the management of fishing vessels, tightening operations at fishing ports, contributing to the country's determination to remove the "yellow card" of the European Commission (EC).
Recorded at Tran De Fishing Port, the inspection and supervision of fishing vessels entering and leaving the port is strictly implemented. The Port Management Board coordinates with fishermen and border guards to be on duty 24/7 and require fishermen to declare output, submit fishing logs and closely monitor seafood unloading activities. Thanks to that, port entry, departure, and traceability activities are all controlled, contributing significantly to the fight against IUU.
Mr. Pham Van Hua, Director of Tran De Fishing Port Management Board, Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, said that from the beginning of the year to mid-August 2025, the port has received more than 2,500 fishing vessels, with nearly 1,400 departures confirmed in the fishing log. The output of unloaded aquatic products reached more than 21,800 tons; the purchasing and transfer activities reached 720 times, equivalent to 16,200 tons. The work of traceability by electronic system (eCDT) has started, with more than 3,500 ships arriving and departing port electronically registered. The port has also issued 102 certificates of origin of aquatic products from exploitation (3,049 tons) and 111 certificates of origin of aquatic products (1,01 tons), including 80 certificates for shipments exported to Europe (565.4 tons).
According to Mr. Hua, supervision work at the Port has been implemented synchronously. When a ship proposes to dock, the Management Board will compare the list of ships in violation or at risk of violation. If it is a violation, it will not be allowed to be unloaded, and at the same time, it will be reported to the authorities for handling. For high-risk vessels, the port allows them to dock but informs the force to check and handle them according to regulations. Cases that do not violate are arranged to dock and unload aquatic products under the supervision of officers. If the actual output difference of over 20% compared to the declared output is detected, the Management Board will coordinate with the IUU Team to make a record and report to the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control of Can Tho City for handling.
In parallel with port management, the Can Tho City Border Guard has also launched a peak emulation campaign against IUU fishing (18.8 - 30.9.2025), focusing on propagating fishermen, publicizing handling violations and strictly managing fishing vessels. 100% of ships with a distance of 15 meters or more must install a journey monitoring device, have a license and mark according to regulations; resolutely do not allow them to depart if they lack documents and safety equipment. Cases with signs of violating foreign waters will be detected, prevented and strictly handled, especially the act of hooking up and sending ships to illegally exploit.
The Border Guard also coordinates with the Navy and Coast Guard to monitor fishing vessels, and at the same time promotes communication systems to support fishermen in responding to natural disasters and ensuring safety at sea. This is an important preparation step ahead of EC's 5th inspection in September 2025.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, the locality currently has 797 registered fishing vessels, with a total capacity of 210,377 CV, of which 347 vessels are 15 meters or more and 58 fishing logistics service vessels. 100% of ships have been granted licenses to exploit and update data on the Vnfishbase and VNeID systems. Notably, since the end of 2024, the locality has completed the issuance of documents for all 136 "3 no" fishing vessels; 100% of vessels 15 meters or more have installed voyage monitoring equipment. From the beginning of 2023 to now, there has been no case of illegal mining border crossings in foreign waters.
