Vietnam's E-logbooks to Slash Fishing Vessel Inspections by 70%

Vietnam is accelerating the rollout of electronic logbooks (e-logbooks) for fishing vessels between 12 and 24 meters in length. This initiative mandates the recording of operational data, including fuel and ice consumption, catch volumes from each fishing trip, and electronic logbook submissions through the fisheries management system. The implementation is expected to significantly streamline the traditional inspection process for fishing vessels, potentially reducing them by up to 70%. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest economic hub, is particularly leading the charge in adopting these e-logbooks, contributing to the modernization and enhanced transparency of fisheries management. The digitalized logbooks are anticipated to improve the accuracy of catch reporting and aid in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Vietnam has identified the digitalization of fisheries management as a key policy objective to ensure the sustainable use of aquatic resources and compliance with international regulations. The introduction of e-logbooks is a significant step in this direction, expected to bolster the competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood in international markets.