Combating IUU fishing begins with fishermen’s awareness
As the whole country intensifies efforts to remove the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card”, Dak Lak province is demonstrating strong determination. Notably, clear changes in fishermen’s awareness and actions have become a crucial and prerequisite foundation in the process of building a sustainable, modern and responsible marine fishing industry.


This is the first vessel to return from a tuna fishing trip and dock at Dong Tac Port (Phu Yen Ward) since the historic floods. An indispensable task upon arrival is a full inspection of the onboard vessel monitoring system, in preparation for the next voyages at sea.

Trinh Ngoc Truong

Fisherman, Dak Lak province

“Before going to sea, we switch on the vessel monitoring system and inform people on shore. Then we activate the positioning system to check everything before setting off. This equipment allows the authorities to monitor us, and it also benefits us because if an incident occurs, those on shore will know our exact location.”

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Tien Khanh

Hoa Hiep Nam Border Guard Station, Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard Command

“Recently, it has been clear that vessel owners and captains have basically complied well with the contents disseminated by the Border Guard. This helps ensure effective prevention of IUU fishing and contributes to preparations for the fifth EC inspection.”

Phan Van Tao

Resident, Hoa Hiep Ward, Dak Lak province

“I have a vessel whose registration had just expired, so I went to complete the renewal. I hope that those who have not yet registered will do so, and those whose documents have expired will renew them. With full paperwork, we go fishing strictly within our designated fishing grounds.”

Fishing within designated waters is one of many IUU-related requirements that fishermen in Dak Lak have become highly aware of and strictly observed in recent times.

The province currently has more than 2,500 active fishing vessels. Since the beginning of the year, 11,620 vessel arrivals and departures have been processed through the electronic fisheries traceability system. Fishermen’s awareness has been steadily improving. They increasingly understand that compliance with IUU fishing regulations will contribute to the removal of the EC’s “yellow card”, towards building a modern, transparent and sustainably developed fisheries sector./.

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