Ca Mau Launches Peak Campaign to Combat IUU Fishing

Ca Mau Province in southern Vietnam has launched a peak campaign to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, intensifying efforts to avoid import bans from the European Union (EU). The province registers 5,156 fishing vessels with a combined capacity of over 801,000 kW. All vessels are mandated to carry voyage monitoring system (VMS) equipment, with installation and stable connections to the national monitoring network already completed. This marks a significant step for Vietnam's fishing sector to comply with international regulations, particularly the IUU fishing measures imposed by the EU. The new regulations strongly emphasize the use of digital management tools, including the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system (eCDT), and the national fisheries database. These systems are expected to enhance the transparency of catches and deter illegal activities. Recent training sessions focused on three key areas: updates on inspection findings from the European Commission, dissemination of new regulations, and the implementation of the eCDT system. This equips fishermen and relevant parties with the latest requirements and operational methods, improving their practical application skills. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, acting as the standing agency of the province's IUU Steering Committee, has been tasked with reviewing and updating the province's action plan to address recommendations raised during the EC's fifth inspection mission on Vietnam's anti-IUU efforts. This highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue with the EU and the implementation of concrete improvement measures. Furthermore, in An Giang Province, alongside the continued implementation of comprehensive anti-IUU fishing measures, a proposal has been made to the Government to promptly introduce policies supporting fishermen in switching livelihoods and decommissioning nearshore fishing vessels. This is a forward-thinking approach to conserve natural fisheries resources and promote a transition to sustainable fishing. These initiatives demonstrate Vietnam's determination to gain international trust and sustainably manage its fisheries resources. Maintaining access to the EU market, in particular, requires strict adherence to IUU fishing countermeasures, and Ca Mau Province's current campaign stands at the forefront of these efforts. Source: VietnamPlus English