In an effort to remove the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing-related 'yellow card', Quang Nam authorities in early November directed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to urgently complete the registration, inspection, and fishing license issuance. 

All fishing boats have been requested to be equipped with a mandatory vessel monitoring system (VMS), and all fishing operations on the sea must be monitored via the VMS system.

Vo Van Long, head of the Quang Nam Fisheries Sub-Department, told VietNamNet that  one of the key tasks in combating IUU fishing and lifting the yellow card is eliminating "3-no" fishing vessels (unregistered, unlicensed for fishing, uninspected).

After the deployment campaign, Quang Nam has nearly completed registration and licensing 3-no fishing boats.

To date, a total of 2,921 fishing vessels have been registered in Quang Nam. These include 1,884 vessels, with length of 6 meters to less than 12 meters operating in coastal areas, 419 vessels (from 12 meters to less than 15 meters) operating in nearshore areas, and 618 vessels with length of 15 meters or more operating offshore.

It is estimated there are only 55 ‘3-no’ fishing vessels, including 31 vessels with length of less 12 meters, nearly ready to be licensed prior to November 30. 

Meanwhile, 24 vessels (12-less than 15 meters long) are facing challenges in licensing due to inadequate engine documentation, and their quality does not meet technical safety standards. 

The Fisheries Sub-Department continues to work with local authorities and registration units to assist fishermen in preparing documents for registration and licensing.

“The fishing vessels will stop operating if they cannot meet the requirements to obtain licenses by December 31,” Long said.

According to the Quang Nam People's Committee, since 2023 there have been no local fishing vessels detained or penalized for violations in foreign waters. 

In the last 10 months, local authorities have addressed over 150 incidents related to IUU fishing, imposing administrative fines on 107 violations totaling more than VND2.2 billion, mostly for violations regarding communication and vessel monitoring equipment on fishing vessels.

All fishing vessels measuring 15 meters or more must operate their VMS throughout their sea journeys. Captains must continually monitor the operation of their fishing vessel's VMS. 

If the VMS loses connection, fishermen have to use VX1700 communication devices to send messages to the Quang Nam Fisheries Control Office every six hours, so that authorities know the vessel's locations.

Long recommended that it would be better if fishermen equip their boats with two VMS systems to have an alternative choice if one system breaks down.

Ha Nam