Kien Giang, January 7 (VNA) – The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has reported significant progress in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with no cases of local fishing vessels encroaching on foreign waters since August 2024. These efforts are a part of the province’s ongoing commitment to combat IUU fishing and have the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” imposed on Vietnam’s seafood industry removed. According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the locality has successfully registered and inspected 1,850 out of 2,099 fishing vessels with no sufficient documents. Additionally, 2,653 out of 3,505 vessels over 15m long have adopted the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), ensuring sustainable and legal fishing practices. All fishing vessels operating offshore are equipped with real-time satellite monitoring systems, facilitating round-the-clock tracking. The province has also earmarked over 3.8 billion VND (149,783 USD) to support 22,350 fishing trips with satellite service subscriptions. Alongside these technical measures, authorities have intensified patrols and enforcement. In 2024, Kien Giang handled 14 cases involving 19 fishing vessels that violated foreign waters and were detained, and those showing signs of infringement, and penalised 290 cases involving 339 monitoring devices, and 480 violating vessels at sea. Additionally, 15 investigations are underway, with several prosecutions already launched, the department reported. Director of the department Le Huu Toan said that the absence of violations on foreign waters for over five months reflects a positive shift in fishermen's awareness and their commitment to legal compliance, which is crucial for maintaining Vietnam’s reputation and fostering relationships with neighboring countries. Truong Van Ngu, Chairman of the Rach Gia city’s Association of Fisheries, said that this is a good sign, showing the efficiency of measures to promote domestic fishing and preserve aquatic resources. In 2024, the province’s fishery production reached 430,820 tonnes, fulfilling 99.04% of its target but still slightly lower than last year due to increasing costs and resource depletion. Offshore fishing vessels are operating at reduced capacity, further highlighting the need for sustainable management. According to authorities in Kien Giang, in 2025, the province will intensify efforts to combat IUU fishing, with a focus on preventing violations by fishing vessels operating in foreign waters. Along with completing the registration and inspection of local fishing vessels and increasing patrols, local authorities will coordinate with relevant forces to conduct high-priority patrols along maritime borders with neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, to prevent IUU fishing and safeguard the region’s marine resources. Kien Giang has targeted 420,300 tonnes in fisheries production for 2025, focusing on sustainable practices and the natural regeneration of marine resources./.