Fishermen sign commitments to comply with regulations on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing during a mock trial-based legal awareness programme held in HCM City on March 20 and 21. — Photos Courtesy of the Việt Nam Coast Guard

HCM CITY — A mock trial for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing held in HCM City is expected to help raise awareness and encourage fishermen to comply with regulations while operating at sea.

The event was organised by the Việt Nam Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command and Công lý newspaper in coordination with the HCM City People’s Court, the Military Court of Military Region 7 and local authorities on March 20 and 21.

It attracted the participation of more than 450 fishermen from Côn Đảo Special Zone, Bình Châu Commune and Phước Hải Commune.

The mock trial was based on real-life cases, and depicted violations such as organising illegal fishing in foreign waters and removing vessel monitoring system (VMS) devices to evade inspection and control in pursuit of quick profits.

After reviewing the case, the judges handed down sentences totalling 10 years in prison while clearly explaining the legal consequences and the negative impact of IUU violations on Việt Nam’s efforts to remove the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning.

The trial followed regular legal procedures, enabling fishermen to directly observe courtroom proceedings and better understand the legal implications of violations they commit.

Many expressed support for the programme.

Fishermen and local residents attend a mock trial on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as part of a legal awareness programme organised by the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command and other in HCM City on March 20 and 21.

As part of the programme, authorities also held discussions to address fishermen’s concerns related to VMS installation and operation, vessel registration procedures, licensing and support policies.

Fishermen were advised to keep VMS devices operating 24/7, strictly follow legal regulations and actively cooperate with authorities managing fishing activities at sea.

The organisers persuaded the attending fishermen to sign commitments not to violate IUU regulations, and gave gift packages with essential goods to 90 disadvantaged fishermen’s families. — VNS