Addressing the European Commission's recommendations on combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has remained a critical and urgent task for Nghe An province.

As local fishermen in Hoang Mai prepare their gear for an early voyage at sea, officers and soldiers of the Nghe An Border Guard Force have already resumed their familiar routines—patrolling and monitoring activities to prevent IUU fishing.

Although the number of fishing vessels violating foreign waters and IUU regulations has decreased in recent times, risks remain. To comprehensively curb such violations, the Nghe An Border Guard’s patrol units maintain 24-hour shifts, conducting both day and night patrols across their maritime jurisdiction.

In addition to ramped-up patrols, border guard units along the coast have increased personnel at checkpoints along river mouths and estuaries. These officers not only inspect documentation but also educate fishermen on complying with IUU-related regulations and refraining from illegal activities.

At Lach Quen Border Control Station under Quynh Thuan Border Guard Post, procedures for vessel departure and return are strictly monitored—from professional licences and crew lists to signals from onboard monitoring devices. Captain Nguyen Truong Sinh, Station Chief, stated: “We provide guidance to ensure fishermen follow correct procedures and avoid legal violations.”

At Lach Con Border Control Station, officers from Quynh Phuong Border Guard Post are seen instructing fishermen on the proper steps to remain in compliance with the law. (Photo: NDO)

Besides patrolling, legal dissemination and education work is given special attention. Border Guard units coordinated with local authorities to organize dissemination through the loudspeaker systems, at fishing ports and directly to each fishing vessel, distributing leaflets, presenting national flags, and disseminating regulations on combating IUU fishing. These small but practical actions have contributed to raising awareness and compliance among fishermen.

Taking a break from his preparations for a new voyage, Pham Minh Si, a fisherman from Phu Nghia commune, Quynh Luu district, ụshared: “Thanks to the outreach from local authorities and the Border Guard, I always fish within permitted waters and never infringe on foreign maritime zones.”

Quynh Thuan Border Guard Post oversees a particularly complex and high-volume fishing area. Monitoring efforts here remain at peak levels. Control stations maintain a constant presence, assisting fishermen with vessel registration, licensing, and data updates into the VNFishbase system.

Captain Nguyen Tien Luong, Political Officer and Deputy Commander of Quynh Thuan Border Guard Post, emphasised: “We maximise the role of control stations and temporary Party members stationed in village branches to disseminate information, handle violations, and ensure strict legal compliance by fishermen.”

In preparation for the European Commission’s fifth inspection, the Nghe An Border Guard Command has launched an intensive campaign against IUU fishing.

In just over ten days, professional departments under the Command, in collaboration with coastal border units, have conducted 87 patrols involving 428 officers and soldiers. These efforts resulted in the detection and handling of 28 cases involving 26 vessels, with administrative fines exceeding 200 million VND.

The fleets in Nghe An are always inspected, monitored and strictly handled for violations related to IUU by local authorities and the Border Guard.

The Nghe An Border Guard Force is also working closely with other authorities and localities to intensify monitoring and review of fishing fleets—especially vessels over 15 metres in length—tracking their fishing routes, port entries and exits, and other critical activities. Violations are subject to rigorous inspection and sanctioning.

Directing patrol operations, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Dau Dinh Thanh, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Nghe An Border Guard Command, noted: “We maintain strict duty schedules, organise patrol flotillas, and intensify public awareness efforts so fishermen understand and voluntarily comply with IUU fishing regulations.”

“Today, every vessel that sets sail not only carries the hope of livelihood but also bears the responsibility of safeguarding our sovereignty and marine resources. With the decisive involvement of agencies, mass organisations, and local authorities—alongside the Border Guard Force’s commitment and the cooperation of fishermen—the coastal waters of Nghe An are gradually being cleansed of violations. This plays a vital role in lifting the ‘yellow card’ and reaffirming the sacred maritime sovereignty of our nation,” the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Nghe An Border Guard Force added.