Tien Giang (VNA) - The People’s Committee of Tien Giang province has instructed relevant agencies and localities to step up measures to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in foreign waters, with a strong emphasis on raising awareness among vessel owners and fishermen through comprehensive communication campaigns.

Tien Giang currently operates a fishing fleet with 60% of vessels equipped with high-capacity engines capable of reaching distant fishing grounds. Notably, 100% of fishing vessels are operating with vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

According to Tran Hoang Nhat Nam, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, communication efforts have proven effective, significantly improving awareness among vessel owners and fishermen. As a result, suspected IUU violations among offshore fishing vessels have been drastically reduced, contributing to the eradication of IUU fishing activities in the province.

Go Cong Dong district, home to 704 offshore fishing vessels with an annual catch exceeding 10,000 tonnes, has implemented robust anti-IUU measures. The Tien Giang Border Guard Command has collaborated with relevant agencies to provide legal training and raise awareness among stakeholders about Vietnamese, international, and foreign fishing regulations. These efforts align with Directive 12 issued by the provincial People’s Committee, which focuses on preventing and ending IUU fishing violations.

Le Hong Tam, Vice Chairwoman of the Go Cong Dong district People’s Committee, said local authorities, in coordination with border guard stations, have strengthened outreach activities. They also closely monitor vessels to ensure fishermen avoid infringing on foreign waters. Remarkably, since 2022, Go Cong Dong district has reported no cases of vessels violating foreign maritime boundaries.

According to Deputy Commander of the Tien Giang Border Guard Colonel Truong Cong Sau, all vessel owners must sign commitments before heading offshore, pledging not to violate neighbouring countries' maritime sovereignty. VMS devices are thoroughly inspected before departure, and targeted outreach is conducted, especially for captains.

Additionally, mass media campaigns and leaflet distributions have reinforced compliance with IUU prevention regulations and the Fisheries Law. These measures have contributed to heightened awareness and adherence among fishermen regarding legal fishing practices.

Captain Le Van Vinh, Head of the Kieng Phuoc Border Control Station, highlighted that no offshore fishing vessels without functioning VMS are permitted to depart. His unit has effectively implemented strict monitoring, ensuring absolute compliance with regulations prohibiting encroachments into neighboring territorial waters.

Hai Thien Phuc, a fishing captain from Vam Lang town, Go Cong Dong district, said his crew and him now strictly follow legal fishing practices, avoiding foreign waters. The vessel’s monitoring system remains active 24/7 to ensure transparency and oversight by the authorities, added Phuc.

The Tien Giang Sub-Department of Fisheries reported that, thanks to joint communication and enforcement efforts, the awareness of vessel owners and fishermen has significantly improved. As a result, offshore fishing vessels suspected of IUU violations have decreased notably.

Since 2022, Tien Giang province has recorded no cases of fishing vessels being detained for illegal activities in foreign waters. All fishing vessels are now monitored daily through the province’s VMS system, ensuring full compliance wiꦚth legal standards and contributing to Vietnam’s broader goal of ending IUU fishing./.