Digital transformation in fisheries management in Thai Binh (01-11-2024)

In recent years, Thai Thuy District, Thai Binh Province, has been at the forefront of digital transformation in fisheries management and exploitation. Through the application of modern technology, the district has not only improved the livelihoods of local fishermen but also made significant contributions to the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This proactive approach has boosted fisheries output and enhanced compliance with national and international regulations, positioning Thai Thuy as a model for sustainable fisheries management.
Digital transformation in fisheries management in Thai Binh
Photo: Some fishing vessels from Thai Binh are anchored

Despite facing numerous challenges, in the first half of 2024, Thai Thuy District reported a combined total of over 40,600 tons of fishing and aquaculture production. Achieving these results has been made possible through the district’s integrated and concerted efforts to modernize its fishing industry, adopting digital technologies in vessel management and fisheries data tracking.

Modernizing fisheries through digitalization

Currently, Thai Thuy District has 376 fishing vessels over 6 meters in length that have been fully registered and incorporated into the national fishing vessel database, VnFishbase. In compliance with regulations, 100% of the fishing boats have been marked with cabin identification numbers, and many fishermen have invested in advanced technology, such as GPS satellite navigation systems, journey monitoring devices, and fish-finding sonar systems.

Several fishermen, previously reliant on traditional fishing methods, have now adapted to using electronic fisheries traceability software (eCDT VN). The software allows them to report catch locations through a journey monitoring system, enhancing the traceability of their seafood. This, in turn, has improved the efficiency of fisheries data management and strengthened measures against IUU fishing.

Fishermen in Thuy Xuan Commune shared that, after installing journey monitoring devices on their boats, the signals are transmitted to shore 24 hours a day. All fishing logs are updated in real-time, and the fishermen can easily check the data via a mobile app, allowing them to plan their fishing routes more efficiently. Captain Do Huu Van of vessel TB90339TS commented, "The eCDT VN software is user-friendly and provides all necessary information, including vessel details, the crew, and laborers on board, which is updated accurately and conveniently. This technology has greatly benefited us, and I plan to support other boat owners in our area in using it."

The application of digital solutions has also significantly simplified administrative procedures for fishermen. Captain Trinh Quang Vinh, who owns vessels TB90215TS and TB90216TS, shared his experience with using the fisheries control software for port entry and exit procedures: "My vessels are docked at Tan Son Fishing Port, and with the help of officers from the Diem Dien Border Guard Station, I have been using the website kiemsoattauca.com.vn. With this system, I can handle administrative tasks such as vessel registration and inspection much faster, saving time and travel costs."

The local government in Diem Dien Town has formed a Zalo group with all boat owners to manage information effectively. If any vessel crosses the boundary into foreign waters or loses its journey signal, the group can quickly notify everyone to resolve the issue. This initiative has facilitated faster and more effective fisheries management, especially concerning vessel compliance with regulations. Pham Van Quang, Vice Chairman of the Diem Dien Town People's Committee, noted that "the transition to digital management is expected to significantly improve fishermen’s awareness of the Fisheries Law and IUU regulations. We are encouraging more fishermen to adopt the eCDT VN software to ensure that their operations comply with the law."

Supporting compliance with IUU fishing eegulations

The digital transformation in Thai Thuy District’s fisheries is not only focused on improving output but also on ensuring transparency and compliance with anti-IUU regulations. Two of the most widely used systems are the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and the fisheries control software. These technologies are expected to play a crucial role in lifting the "yellow card" warning imposed by the European Commission (EC) on Vietnamese fisheries.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Binh Trong, Deputy Commander of the Diem Dien Border Guard Station, explained, "The control software has made a significant difference in resolving administrative tasks for fishermen. Furthermore, it has enhanced our ability to monitor vessels operating in coastal, inshore, and offshore waters. Since the beginning of 2024, we have collaborated with local authorities in Thuy Hai Commune and Diem Dien Town to investigate and clarify two vessels that violated foreign waters."

An example of this occurred in April 2024, when the Diem Dien Border Guard Station, in cooperation with the People's Committee of Diem Dien Town, investigated vessel TB90269TS, owned by Nguyen Duy Anh. The vessel had crossed the boundary at coordinates 19047’49”N-107044’16E and lost connection with its journey monitoring system. After a thorough investigation, Nguyen Duy Anh provided sufficient documentation proving that the violation was caused by an unavoidable mechanical failure, where the vessel’s propeller was entangled, the steering shaft broke, and the winch motor failed, causing the boat to drift nearly one nautical mile beyond the boundary.

Advancing towards a sustainable future

The efforts of Thai Thuy District in digitalizing fisheries management have also been extended to the management of local fishing ports. Bui Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Thai Thuy District Land Fund Development and Industrial Cluster Center, which oversees Tan Son Fishing Port, emphasized the role of digitalization in enhancing transparency and efficiency: "We have established a Zalo group that includes port management staff and all boat owners in the district. Through this group, we provide information and guidance on how to use the eCDT VN software, maintain electronic fishing logs, and apply the seafood traceability system."

Despite ongoing challenges, fishermen and local authorities have worked closely to implement digital transformation, showing a strong determination to promote sustainable fisheries development. In the near future, the management team at Tan Son Port will continue to monitor fishing logs, supervise total catch reports, and input all data into the software system. Moreover, the team will ensure that all vessels anchored in the port have their catch data fully recorded and controlled. Close cooperation with border guard stations will ensure that no vessels are allowed to depart without meeting legal requirements for operation in marine waters.

The local authorities, in cooperation with relevant units, plan to further strengthen the promotion of high-tech applications and digital transformation in fisheries. This includes raising fishermen’s awareness about the importance of complying with IUU regulations and encouraging them to adopt modern technologies. By embracing scientific and technological advancements, fishermen will not only enhance productivity but also improve the quality of seafood after harvest, thereby supporting better management and a more sustainable future for the industry.

The successful digital transformation in Thai Thuy District exemplifies the critical role that technology plays in advancing sustainable fisheries management. By adopting modern tools, local authorities and fishermen are working together to ensure a brighter future for the industry, while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.

Hai Dang

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