Fishermen venture out to sea, determined to combat IUU fishing.

Each fishing trip now requires more thorough preparation, from machinery and equipment to communication and continuous monitoring of weather conditions, to ensure safety, efficient fishing, and to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Currently, rising costs per fishing trip, coupled with declining catches, are forcing fishermen to innovate their fishing methods. In Dak Lak province, many boat owners have upgraded their vessels, invested in modern equipment, and increased capacity to improve fishing efficiency while complying with regulations against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. Technology is also becoming a solution to help fishermen be more proactive in the face of unpredictable changes at sea.

Before heading out to sea during the stormy season, fisherman Pham Duy Cuong (Tuy Hoa ward, Dak Lak province) checks all the equipment on his boat. Every system, from machinery and radios to fishing and communication equipment, is carefully inspected. According to Mr. Cuong, having accurate weather information is especially important during rough seas. Fishermen still work at sea, but this season often brings storms and high risks. Therefore, fishermen maintain contact with the navy to receive weather updates and identify dangerous areas to avoid.

Fisherman Nguyen Be (Phu Yen ward, Dak Lak province) shared that he and many local people have been making a living from the sea for generations. He also intends to continue the profession with his children, raising capital to buy larger boats to continue venturing out to sea. However, the fishing industry is currently facing many difficulties due to market fluctuations. Fishermen are requesting that the government continue to provide subsidies for fuel and also implement measures to increase fish prices so that fishermen can continue to fish and venture further offshore.

Phu Yen ward currently has over 200 fishing vessels specializing in offshore fishing. In the context of the fisheries sector's strong shift towards responsible fishing practices, upgrading these vessels is also linked to the requirement of strictly adhering to regulations on combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. To ensure safe fishing trips, the local authorities are also strengthening monitoring, information sharing, and implementing disaster response plans, especially during periods of complex weather patterns.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Thinh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Yen Ward, said that the locality had developed plans and measures for disaster prevention and control since the beginning of the year. As a coastal ward in the eastern part of the province, disaster response focuses on solutions to ensure the safety of lives and property for fishermen; in particular, fishermen maintain close coordination with functional agencies regarding weather conditions while fishing at sea. When boats return to port, mooring is also carefully considered to ensure safety.

During the stormy season, each fishing trip is a challenging journey. Proactively inspecting equipment, equipping themselves with coping skills, and regularly updating weather information will help fishermen minimize risks, stay at sea with confidence, and contribute to preserving fishing grounds. In addition, fishermen will also have their awareness raised regarding combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, contributing to positive changes in the fisheries sector.

Currently, Dak Lak province has nearly 2,600 fishing vessels registered in the national database system; of which, nearly 690 vessels with a length of 15 meters or more, which are required to install vessel monitoring systems (VMS), have completed the installation, achieving a 100% rate. 100% of fishing vessels have been marked and registered according to regulations. From August to October 2026, the province will focus on implementing solutions to thoroughly address the recommendations on combating IUU fishing before the EC inspection team arrives.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thai Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dak Lak province, in recent times, the province has decisively and comprehensively implemented many solutions to prevent and combat IUU fishing; in particular, the management of the fishing fleet has been strengthened. The rate of issuing fishing vessel registration certificates, technical safety certificates, and fishing licenses is always given attention and implemented correctly by vessel owners. The control of fishing vessels entering and leaving ports and the traceability of seafood are regularly maintained.

The regular presence of the Fisheries Surveillance Force and Border Guard in the sea areas under the province's management has also contributed to raising awareness of law compliance and ensuring full adherence to regulations related to fishing vessels, crew members, and maritime navigation among fishermen operating at sea, thus protecting aquatic resources. Coastal communities are increasingly complying with legal regulations on combating IUU fishing.