Can Tho Strengthens Illegal Fishing Fight, Border Guards Cooperate

Can Tho City in southern Vietnam has significantly strengthened its efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Local authorities reported that there are now no "three-Nos" vessels—those lacking proper registration certificates, fishing licenses, and inspection certifications—remaining in the locality. This development aligns with Vietnam's national priority to address IUU fishing, a crucial step towards meeting the requirements for the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) certification for sustainable fisheries. The EU prohibits the import of fish caught through IUU fishing, making compliance vital for Vietnam's seafood export industry. Neighboring Ca Mau Province, a major fishing hub, has 5,156 registered fishing vessels with a combined capacity exceeding 801,000 kW. All these vessels are equipped with Voyage Monitoring System (VMS) devices, and stable connections with the national monitoring network are maintained. Border guard units along the coastline have intensified controls at fishing ports and sea routes. They are collaborating with local authorities to ensure that all fishing vessels fully comply with regulations before setting sail. These enhanced enforcement measures are expected to bolster the credibility of Vietnamese seafood exports and maintain their competitiveness in international markets, particularly for access to the EU market.