HCMC fisheries complies with the law: [1] Breakfast with fisherfolk

No longer driven by slogan-like directives, the fight against IUU fishing in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has been truly transformed through humane and reasonable approaches.

When local authorities and law enforcement officers chose to “listen to what people say and understand what they need” over cups of morning coffee at cafés, in the courtyards of commune People's Committees, or during breakfast alongside fishing vessels, fisherfolk gradually changed their mindset toward fishing. They have proactively set sail in compliance with the law. As a result, HCMC's efforts to combat IUU fishing have achieved encouraging outcomes.

A turning point in mindset at the frontline of the sea

For many years, the breezy cafés along the coast of Long Hai commune have been busier than usual. These places are often chosen as venues where local authorities, military forces, and fisherfolk come together to discuss the fisheries sector's biggest challenge: the IUU 'yellow card'.

There were no luxurious venues or lengthy prepared speeches. Instead, Border Guard officers, officials from the Sub-Department of Fisheries, and local authorities gathered with vessel owners and captains before their long offshore fishing trips.

The "Morning Coffee with Fisherfolk" and "Breakfast with Fisherfolk" models have become hallmark mass mobilization models in HCMC's campaign against IUU fishing. Hundreds of such events have been organized by local authorities and relevant forces to raise awareness and disseminate information among fishing communities.

Veteran fisherman Nguyen Van Hai (58 years old, Long Hai commune) recalled, "In the past, terms like the 'IUU regulations' or the 'yellow card' sounded vague and distant to us. But after officials carefully explained that if the European Commission (EC) were to issue a 'red card,' the fish we caught would be barred from the market and domestic seafood prices would plunge, we realized that our own families would be the first and hardest hit. From then on, we told each other that we had to fish in full compliance with the law."

The strength of these models lies in their ability to translate highly technical legal provisions into everyday, easy-to-understand conversations. Local authorities and relevant forces have proactively gone directly to fishing ports and aboard individual vessels to listen to fisherfolk's concerns and wishes while promptly addressing the difficulties they face.

In addition, mock trials reenacting administrative and criminal violations at sea, along with practical legal dialogue sessions, have helped fisherfolk gain a clear understanding of maritime sovereignty boundaries and the consequences of illegal fishing.

According to the HCMC Steering Committee for Combating IUU Fishing, innovative communication methods, combined with flexible use of both face-to-face leaflet distribution and social media platforms, have brought about a breakthrough in fisherfolk's awareness of legal compliance. As a result, since the beginning of 2026, no fishing vessels from the city have been arrested by foreign authorities for illegally operating in foreign waters.

However, Mr. Bui Minh Thanh, Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, directed that these models should be "upgraded" to achieve greater effectiveness. In particular, the next phase of communication efforts should focus more intensively on vessel owners and captains, as they are the key actors in ensuring compliance with lawful fishing regulations.

When compliance with the law becomes a matter of honor

The self-discipline of HCMC's fisherfolk is being reflected in concrete actions through their responsible implementation of fisheries administrative procedures. Previously, some vessel owners regarded keeping daily fishing logbooks, ensuring vessel monitoring system (VMS) equipment remained continuously operational, and completing departure and arrival reporting procedures as cumbersome and time-consuming. Today, these stringent requirements have become second nature, an unwritten rule observed before starting the engine and heading out to sea.

At Border Guard control stations and major fishing ports, it has become common to see skippers and captains using their smartphones to complete procedures via the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability (eCDT) system.

From the beginning of 2026 to June 5, 2026, fisheries port management organizations and Border Guard control stations inspected and processed a total of 15,869 fishing vessel declarations through the eCDT system, including 7,594 port arrivals and 8,275 port departures for seafood landing operations.

As of that date, 4,445 fishing vessels had been registered in the city's fisheries management records, with 100% of them updated in the national fisheries database. The number of fishing vessels licensed for fishing operations had risen significantly to 4,283, equivalent to 96.36% of the total fleet.

While directing his crew to unload more than 10 tons of freshly caught scad and tuna at the fishing port, captain Tran Minh Tam from Long Hai commune shared enthusiastically: "Nowadays, whether departing for sea or returning to shore, we complete all declarations electronically through the eCDT system, which is transparent and fast. When we operate legally, our catch has clear traceability, and our records are properly maintained; seafood companies are willing to pay higher prices for our fish."

According to Tam, he keeps the VMS operating continuously throughout every fishing trip without fail. "It's not only about complying with the law to help the country get the EC's yellow card lifted. It's also a lifeline for everyone on board. As long as we are connected through the system, rescue forces can respond immediately if anything happens," Tam said.

During the first six months of 2026, efforts to combat IUU fishing were implemented with determination, consistency, methodical planning, and the highest level of political commitment, from central authorities down to every village and hamlet in HCMC's coastal communes and wards.

Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee Bui Minh Thanh affirmed that the unity and voluntary compliance of local fisherfolk have been the city's greatest and most pivotal achievement in recent years. Fisherfolk are no longer merely complying to avoid penalties; they now genuinely see themselves as key stakeholders and pioneers in the campaign to lift the EC's 'yellow card' warning.

"This unity and shared determination provide a solid foundation for the city to launch its six-month peak campaign in the second half of 2026 with the highest level of determination, firmly uphold discipline, and shift the fisheries sector toward sustainable offshore development and international integration," Mr. Bui Minh Thanh shared.