Through drastic and effective measures, Coast Guard Region 3 has helped raise fishermen’s awareness and join hands to remove the European Commission (E.C)’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’s fisheries sector.
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Leaders of Coast Guard Region 3 explain anti-IUU fishing regulations to local fishermen. |
Diversifying dissemination methods
A mock trial co-organized by the Coast Guard Region 3 Command in Phuoc Hai commune, Ho Chi Minh City attracted a large number of officials, party members, and fishermen. Based on real-life scenarios such as illegal fishing in foreign waters or dismantling vessel monitoring systems (VMS) to evade inspections, the mock trial clarified the legal consequences and negative impacts on national prestige. The program also addressed fishermen’s concerns regarding VMS installation, registration procedures, and support policies, while advising them to keep VMS operational at all times.
Tran Huu Nam, a 61-year-old fisherman from Phuoc Hai commune, whose family has been at sea for generations, said that observing the mock trial helped him better understand laws and the severe consequences of illegal fishing. He affirmed to remind his relatives to comply with the law, avoid encroaching on foreign waters, and fish responsibly for the community’s benefit.
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Vessel owners sign a commitment not to violate IUU fishing regulations. |
The mock trial significantly contributed to raising public awareness and modifying fishermen’s behavior, upholding law enforcement at sea, and thereby minimizing IUU violations.
In addition, the Coast Guard Region 3 Command has intensified dissemination through various formats. These include coordinating with the information, education, and mass mobilization commissions of coastal provinces to host anti-IUU fishing conferences and the “Coast Guard accompanies fishermen” program. The unit has also partnered with press agencies to launch maritime columns and with the education sector to organize the “I love national sea and islands” contest. Authorities directly distributed materials to fishing vessels, instructed crew members on legal compliance, and broadcasted regulations via loudspeakers. Depending on the reality, the unit prioritizes the quality of dissemination to change their awareness, ensuring fishermen say no to illegal fishing in foreign waters.
Pham The Vinh, Deputy Head of the Dong Thap provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Information and Education and Mass Mobilization, noted that the Coast Guard Region 3 Command has coordinated closely and effectively with local authorities through practical programs. These activities not only equip fishermen with legal knowledge but also heighten the responsibility of local party committees and authorities in jointly removing the E.C.’s “yellow card” and protecting sustainable marine resources.
Strict inspection and enforcement
During a recent anti-IUU fishing inspection, leaders of Coast Guard Region 3 and functional units visited many fishing vessels to check positioning devices, VMS, safety equipment, and necessary documents. Violations were penalized with administrative fines, and vessels’ captains were required to take immediate actions and sign commitments not to reoffend.
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Leaders of Coast Guard Region 3 present national flags and medical kits to fishermen |
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Leaders of Coast Guard Region 3 award students in the “I love national sea and islands” contest. |
Colonel Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Region 3 Command, noted that since its establishment for anti-IUU fishing tasks, the unit has boosted political education to raise awareness of the tasks. They have inspected all fishing vessels suspected of operating off-route or violating the “three nos” regulation (fishing vessels without registration certificates, fishing licenses and inspection certificates). He emphasized that violations are handled strictly with no exceptions, in close coordination with coastal local authorities to thoroughly resolve offenses.
For vessels showing signs of violating contiguous zones, patrol forces will promptly detect, detain, and impose heavy sanctions to deter others. During the recent peak campaign, the unit recorded and processed dozens of violating fishing vessels. Senior Lieutenant Le Dinh Thanh, Captain of Coast Guard Ship 9001, explained that combatting IUU fishing is a long-term strategic mission linked to safeguarding national sovereignty and prestige. Therefore, the unit tightly combines dissemination work with strict enforcement to create a substantive change in fishermen’s awareness.
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Anti-IUU fishing dissemination materials distributed to fishermen |
Alongside patrol duties, Coast Guard Region 3 vessels also focus on mass mobilization, supporting fishermen at sea by distributing documents, presenting national flags, and providing essential supplies and medical kits, thereby strengthening military-civilian solidarity.
Senior Colonel Le Van Tu, Political Commissar of the Coast Guard Region 3 Command, emphasized that facing increasingly high demands, the unit will continue to promote synergy by combining law enforcement with mass mobilization. Dissemination work is identified as the core task, while strict enforcement serves as the drastic solution to completely prevent IUU fishing violations. Ensuring fishermen understand and abide by regulations is the key to successfully removing the “yellow card” on Vietnamese seafood.
Translated by Song Anh