Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)Kien Giang (VNA) – TheMekong Delta province of Kien Giang has taken synchronous measures to fightillegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as instructed by the EuropeanCommission (EC).
The locality, which has nine coastal districts out of the total 15, aims tosoon remove the “yellow card” warning issued by the European Commission (EC) toVietnam’s fishery sector.
Local competent agencies have teamed up to inspect and monitor fishing boats operatingat sea and docking at ports, and encourage their owners, captains and fishermento observe relevant regulations, according to the provincial Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development.
Fishing vessels traversing seaports and estuaries were supervised by borderguard stations, with special attention paid to those included in the blacklistand showing signs of violations.
Major Dang Hoang Quan from the Tay Yen Border Guard Station said fishing boatsare allowed to set sail only when they submit necessary papers and are fullyequipped with navigation devices.
After the Government’s Decree No. 42/2019/ND-CP on administrative fines in thefishery sector came into force on July 5, 2019, Kien Giang established aninspection team to supervise fishing activities at sea and seaports.
On October 23, 2017, the EC issued a "yellow card" warning toVietnam, after the country failed to demonstrate sufficient progress in thefight against IUU fishing.
Countries that fail to meet EC standards are given a "yellow card",followed by a "green card" if the problems are resolved, or a"red card" if they are not. A red card can lead to a trade ban onfishery products.
According to EC requirements, the Vietnamese seafood sector had to implementnine recommendations, including revisions of the legal framework to ensurecompliance with international and regional rules, applicable to theconservation and management of fisheries resources; ensuring the enforcement ofthe country’s revised laws; and strengthening implementation of internationalrules and management measures.
The EC also wanted Vietnam to issue sanctions against IUU fishing, which shouldbe written in the revised Law on Fisheries, and give concrete evidence provingVietnam’s efforts in the fight against IUU fishing.-VNA
VNA
