Lam Dong aims for modern fisheries sector, giving up the 'if unmanageable, then ban' mindset

In recent years, along with the whole country, the new Lam Dong province, formed through the merger with Binh Thuan and Dak Nong, has become a locality with a large fishing fleet in the South Central Coast–Central Highlands region. With thousands of fishing vessels operating regularly across sea areas, the province has identified vessel management, registration, inspection, and vessel monitoring systems (VMS) as key tasks. These tasks are not only urgent requirements to rectify fisheries operations but also a crucial step toward developing a modern, sustainable, and responsible blue economy.

According to the Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province currently has hundreds of fishing vessels operating mainly in offshore and inshore areas. However, some vessels have yet to complete registration or inspection procedures or have not yet been reissued with fishing licenses. In some cases, vessels have lost connection with the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) equipment since 2024 due to ownership transfers, suspension of operations, or failure by vessel owners to fulfill equipment maintenance obligations.

In response to this situation, coastal localities and functional forces have synchronously implemented a series of management measures, from reviewing and compiling vessel data to guiding fishermen in completing legal documentation. Many localities have launched peak campaigns to assist fishermen in canceling outdated registrations and inspections and issuing new fishing licenses, with the goal of completing the process by 2025. Monitoring and inspection of fishing activities have also been strengthened, with a firm stance that no vessel failing to meet legal requirements will be allowed to set sail or exploit beyond authorized maritime areas.

According to Mr. Le Trong Yen, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, combating IUU fishing is not only an urgent directive from the Central Government but also a shared responsibility of the entire political system and the fisherman community. "Sectors and localities must implement synchronous measures for the control, registration, and inspection of fishing vessels, while also developing livelihood support policies for fishermen, particularly for vessel owners who do not meet nearshore fishing requirements, in strict accordance with the Prime Minister’s direction," Mr. Yen emphasized.

The provincial leader also requested that the Department of Agriculture and Environment proactively coordinate with relevant sectors and localities to finalize action plans and thoroughly prepare for the fifth inspection session of the European Commission (EC) in Viet Nam. Meanwhile, the Border Guard and Fisheries Surveillance forces have been assigned to strengthen patrols, enhance monitoring, and strictly handle all violations.

With a proactive, resolute spirit and a sustainable development orientation, Lam Dong is gradually building the image of a province developing a responsible fishery, contributing to the national effort to lift the IUU "yellow card," and advancing toward a modern, environmentally friendly, and internationally integrated fisheries sector.