On June 4, 2025, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance issued Notification No. 771/TB-TSKN, announcing the pilot rollout of the electronic fishing, purchase, and transshipment logbook system (referred to as the “electronic logbook”). This initiative aims to revolutionize the management of fishing activities, align with global standards, and bolster the reputation of Vietnamese seafood in the international export market.
Modernizing fisheries management
The electronic logbook system is grounded in the regulatory framework established by Circular No. 21/2018/TT-BNNPTNT and Circular No. 01/2022/TT-BNNPTNT. These regulations allow fishing vessel captains to record fishing, purchase, and transshipment activities either on paper or electronically. Data stored in the electronic logbook system, accessible via the website https://gstc.tongcucthuysan.gov.vn/nkkt, carries the same legal weight as paper records. This data is critical for verifying and certifying the origin of harvested seafood, serving as an effective tool for regulatory agencies to monitor fishing activities, trace seafood origins, and address administrative violations.
In 2024, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached approximately $9.5 billion, with the European Union (EU) accounting for a substantial share of the market. However, since 2017, the EC has imposed a “yellow card” on Vietnamese exported seafood due to deficiencies in fisheries management, particularly related to IUU fishing. The introduction of the electronic logbook system is not merely a technical solution but a resolute commitment by Vietnam to meet the stringent requirements of international markets. This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in lifting the EC’s “yellow card” and promoting sustainable seafood exports.
Technical requirements and stakeholder responsibilities
The electronic logbook system is meticulously designed to ensure transparency and accuracy in fisheries management. Equipment and tools used for logging must meet rigorous standards, including seamless connectivity and automatic data synchronization with service providers’ databases. The system employs GPS technology with a positioning accuracy within 500 meters and requires sufficient storage capacity to record fishing, purchase, and transshipment data. Devices must operate reliably in harsh marine environments, feature tamper detection alerts, and include backup batteries to ensure functionality for at least 10 days in the event of a primary power failure.
Service providers of the electronic logbook system are required to adhere to standardized data formats outlined in Appendices II, III, and IV of Notification 771/TB-TSKN. The system demands continuous connectivity, high speed processing of data from multiple sources, and round the clock operation, particularly during peak fishing seasons. Its user-friendly interface supports multiple platforms, including web and mobile applications, enabling fishermen, regulators, and relevant organizations to input, access, and update information seamlessly. Data security is also prioritized, with stringent measures in place to comply with current legal regulations and prevent unauthorized modifications.
To ensure effective implementation, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance has mandated close coordination between service providers, regulatory authorities, and coastal localities. Service providers must submit integration dossiers to the centralized electronic logbook system, including detailed proposals, system specifications, and test results for equipment and software. Once integrated, these providers are responsible for organizing training sessions to guide fishermen and port management organizations in using the system. They must also ensure accurate, complete, and timely data transmission to support monitoring and traceability efforts.
Provincial and municipal Departments of Agriculture and Environment in coastal regions are tasked with directing their fisheries sub-departments and port management boards to collaborate with service providers in raising awareness and guiding fishermen on the use of electronic logbooks. Localities are also required to assess and compile requests for system access accounts, submitting them to the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance to facilitate state management. Port management authorities will utilize data from the electronic logbook system to verify information, ensuring transparency in fishing and purchase activities.
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The electronic logbook system provides detailed reporting formats, covering vessel departures and arrivals, fishing yield reports, and purchase and transshipment activities. These formats use the POST protocol with Content Type application/json and require authentication via Bearer Token. Input data includes critical details such as vessel registration numbers, departure and arrival dates, port codes, captain information, crew lists, fishing gear codes, and yields of specific seafood species. The system generates result codes and log codes to ensure transparency and ease of reference.
Appendices provided in Notification 771/TB-TSKN include standardized codes for result statuses, crew roles, fishing gear types, fishing zones, and port identifiers. For instance, fishing gear codes such as TBB (single trawl net with poles) or PS (free purse seine) are clearly defined, alongside species codes like LOT (yellowfin tuna) or SCD (blue swimming crab), facilitating consistent data management and traceability.
Impacts and challenges of the electronic logbook implementation
The adoption of the electronic logbook system marks a critical step in modernizing fisheries management, enabling Vietnam to meet international requirements while enhancing the competitiveness of its seafood industry. The system is expected to curb illegal fishing practices, strengthen oversight, and empower fishermen by providing access to cutting edge technology.
However, the implementation process faces several challenges. Many fishermen, particularly in remote and underserved areas, lack the technical skills needed to operate the system effectively. The cost of investing in equipment and software also poses a barrier for small scale fishing households. To address these issues, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance encourages local authorities to organize training programs and provide technical support. Collaboration with service providers is also urged to reduce costs and improve accessibility for fishermen.
The pilot implementation of the electronic logbook system represents a milestone in Vietnam’s journey toward sustainable fisheries development. With robust coordination among regulatory agencies, businesses, and fishermen, this system holds the promise of transformative change, fostering a transparent, efficient, and environmentally responsible fishing industry.
Hai Dang