In response to government directives and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Ha Tinh Fisheries Department has coordinated with local authorities over the past two months to review and count fishing vessels with a maximum length of 6 meters or more that were newly built, modified, bought, or given before the Ministry's Circular No. 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT came into effect. These boats are still operating but lack the necessary documentation for official registration. These vessels are mostly small-capacity boats that tend to fish close to shore, facing numerous risks in terms of safety and efficiency during operations. Many fishermen in this category are either unaware of the registration requirements or lack the financial resources to complete the necessary procedures. This not only affects the legality of their fishing activities but also creates difficulties for local authorities in management and monitoring, especially as the country is implementing stringent measures to remove the EU’s yellow card on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
To address this situation, the Vietnamese government and local authorities such as those in Ha Tinh have implemented decisive measures aimed at ending the "three no" fishing boats by the deadline of December 31, 2024. This deadline is crucial, as Vietnam must meet the EU's requirements to avoid further sanctions related to combating illegal fishing. For fishermen, registering their boats not only ensures their safety during fishing operations but also provides them with access to state support policies, such as fishing boat insurance, assistance during maritime risks, or preferential credit programs to upgrade their vessels. From a management perspective, having legally registered boats will help authorities better control fishing activities, prevent overfishing, and establish a solid foundation for the sustainable protection and development of aquatic resources. This is also an important basis for Vietnam to reaffirm its commitment to combating IUU fishing, thereby maintaining and expanding its seafood export markets, especially in the European Union.
Ha Tinh's policies and plans for boat registration
To achieve the goal of registering all "three no" fishing boats before December 31, 2024, the People's Committee of Ha Tinh province has developed a detailed and rigorous plan. The province has tasked the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with coordinating with coastal localities to inspect, review, and classify fishing boats. Boats that meet the requirements will be supported with registration procedures, reduced inspection fees, and preferential credit packages to provide financial conditions for boat owners to upgrade their vessels. During the registration process, relevant authorities also inspect and require fishing boats to meet all maritime safety standards. For outdated boats that cannot meet technical standards, fishermen will be encouraged to upgrade or decommission them to ensure safety while operating at sea.
Specifically, Mr. Nguyen Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Director of the Ha Tinh Fisheries Department, stated that after the provincial People's Committee announced the number of "three no" boats eligible for registration, the department advised the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to issue guidance documents to district and coastal township authorities to expedite the registration process. The Ha Tinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has also required the Fisheries Department to register qualified boats, and for those with incomplete documentation, clearly explain reasons for rejection or request timely supplementation according to regulations. To ensure the timely removal of "three no" boats before December 31, 2024, the Ha Tinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged district and coastal township authorities in Nghi Xuan, Loc Ha, Thach Ha, Cam Xuyen, Ky Anh, and Ky Anh town to guide residents in completing registration procedures and submit documents through the provincial public service portal. Additionally, the department has coordinated with local tax agencies to assist citizens in fulfilling tax obligations.
Despite the many supportive policies provided by Ha Tinh province, the registration process still faces several challenges. First, the lack of legal knowledge among a portion of fishermen has caused delays in completing the necessary paperwork. Many fishermen continue to fish traditionally, and they are not yet ready to adopt the new technical and legal requirements. Secondly, upgrading fishing boats to meet maritime safety standards and inspection requirements demands a significant financial investment, often exceeding the financial capacity of many fishermen. This has caused hesitation among boat owners in proceeding with registration, resulting in slower progress in eliminating "three no" fishing boats. Lastly, local authorities face difficulties in monitoring and inspecting fishing boats that operate offshore, especially small-sized boats that are not equipped with tracking devices. This makes management more complicated and poses potential risks related to maritime safety.
To ensure the elimination of "three no" fishing boats by the December 31, 2024 deadline, Ha Tinh province needs to intensify its public awareness efforts, raising fishermen's understanding of the importance of boat registration. In addition, offering more preferential credit packages to provide fishermen with capital to upgrade their boats and meet technical requirements is a solution that should be pursued more vigorously. Furthermore, increasing the frequency of inspections and monitoring at fishing ports and coastal areas should be a regular practice. Authorities should strictly enforce penalties for fishing boats that intentionally refuse to register, while also providing timely support to fishermen facing financial difficulties. One important point to note is the need to strengthen the capacity of local authorities in monitoring and managing offshore fishing boats. Investing in modern surveillance equipment will improve management efficiency and reduce risks during fishing operations.
The registration and certification of more than 2,100 "three no" fishing boats in Ha Tinh is not only an urgent task but also a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainable development of the fishing industry. The cooperation between local authorities and fishermen will determine the success of this process, helping to protect aquatic resources, ensure fishermen's safety, and enhance Vietnam's international reputation.
Hai Dang