As of July 28, Binh Thuận had achieved a 99.7 per cent installation rate of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices on fishing vessels. — Photo baobinhthuan

BÌNH THUẬN — Bình Thuận Province's committee against illegal fishing is committed to preventing violations of foreign waters and is actively preparing for an upcoming inspection by the European Commission in October.

The provincial steering committee for combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing said it is determined not to allow local fishing vessels and fishermen to violate foreign waters as it makes active preparations for the fourth visit by the European Commission (EC)’s inspection team.

At a recent meeting to assess the implementation of prevention measures and to launch key works for the future, it was reported that so far this year, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has coordinated with relevant units to send six inspection teams to examine anti-IUU activities at key fishing areas and seafood export enterprises.

The steering committee, meanwhile, has established working groups to visit five southern provinces where Bình Thuận's fishing vessels are present to meet their owners and collaborate with local authorities to enhance the management, monitoring, and inspection of the boats.

In addition, the provincial fisheries department and border guards have teamed up with localities to conduct over 200 awareness-raising sessions for more than 22,000 fishermen, focusing on those involved in offshore fishing and high-risk IUU fishing practices.

As of July 28, Binh Thuận had achieved a 99.7 per cent installation rate of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices on fishing vessels. Furthermore, the strict control of vessel entry and exit at ports as well as origin certification and confirmation of the seafood from fishing activities have been carried out in accordance with regulations. — VNS