Kien Giang follows EC recommendations to combat IUU fishing

The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is following the European Commission (EC)'s recommendations to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as part of a nationwide effort to lift the EC's "yellow card" warning.

To achieve this, the province plans to transform certain fishing practices that adversely affect local marine resources and the ecological environment, while simultaneously improving the State's capacity to manage fisheries. 

It has also introduced subsidised subscription fees for the voyage monitoring system (VMS) service for fishing vessels. This initiative's two phases benefited 15,173 vessel trips with a total investment of over 2.6 billion VND (108,000 USD). The third phase has been approved, targeting over 7,000 vessel trips with an estimated budget of around 1.3 billion VND. 

Kien Giang follows EC recommendations to combat IUU fishing  -0
Border guard officers examine fishing vessels' operation. (Photo: VNA)

As a result, 3,604 boats have been equipped with VMS devices, accounting for 99.42% of the fishing vessels required. The remaining 21 vessels, currently in ports, are being monitored through Google Maps until installation is completed. 

To facilitate seafood exports, the province has issued 23 certificates of origin for 252,330kg of seafood to six companies. Additionally, three exporters have been granted 116 certificates of origin for over 1,000 tonnes of seafood destined for Europe. 

The provincial authorities have taken a proactive approach to enforcing regulations, handling 264 cases of VMS violations and imposing fines totaling over 14 billion VND. Furthermore, 239 cases of maritime violations were penalised during patrols and inspections, resulting in fines exceeding 3.7 billion VND. These actions have been documented in the national database on administrative penalties in fisheries, with 617 decisions recorded and fines amounting to more than 27.6 billion VND./. 

VNA

Society-Education

Vietnamese people in Malaysia, Thailand celebrate Tet
Society-Education

Vietnamese people in Malaysia, Thailand celebrate Tet

The Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) space, jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia and the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA), officially opened at bbpark, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur capital city on January 11, marking the first time it has been held outside the premises of the embassy.

Efforts made to ensure social welfare for all on Tet
Society-Education

Efforts made to ensure social welfare for all on Tet

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Van Hoi on January 8 stated that at the beginning of this year, the ministry issued a directive requesting reports on the distribution of rice and proposals for rice aid during the 2025 Lunar New Year (Tet) and the lean season as an effort to ensure social welfare during the Tet festival, and ensure no one is left behind.