Cat Khanh Border Post manages a coastal area with dynamic fishing activities, involving from 300 to 400 vessels, mostly offshore. While this tradition drives economic growth, it also poses risks of IUU fishing violations. In response, the unit has classified vessels to apply targeted management. Beyond centralized sessions, border guards visit ports to meet owners and fishermen, focusing on vessel monitoring systems (VMS), fishing logs, and legal sanctions. Owners are required to sign compliance commitments to raise legal awareness.

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Cat Khanh Border Post deploys forces to patrol and control fishing vessel activities in coastal border communes of Gia Lai province.

Cat Khanh Border Post deploys forces to patrol fishing activities in coastal border communes. For vessels anchored outside the province lacking proper documentation, officers guide captains through the renewal process to ensure legal compliance. The post also directs De Gi and Cat Tien Border Control Checkpoints to coordinate with local authorities in managing records for vessels 6 meters or longer. Notably, the unit advised the establishment of 25 solidarity fishing groups and 9 self-managing security groups to protect maritime sovereignty. It also assisted 39 owners in securing financial aid to decommission outdated vessels, encouraging sustainable livelihoods.

Alongside communication, the post has tightened inspections for port entry and departure. Documentation and VMS equipment checks are strictly enforced, with non-compliant vessels denied clearance. The unit maintains coordination with fisheries surveillance, coast guard, and local authorities. Since the beginning of the year, several violations involving VMS signal loss or incomplete logs have been administratively sanctioned.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Duong, Commanding Officer of Cat Khanh Border Post, noted that violations have decreased significantly as fishermen’s awareness improves. Voluntary compliance is replacing reluctant adherence. Moving forward, the unit will enhance technology and inter-agency coordination to ensure sustainable fishing. Beyond IUU prevention, the post remains active in disaster response, search and rescue, and poverty reduction, improving the lives of thousands of coastal residents.

Translated by Trung Thanh