(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Kiên Giang Province, home to over 13,000 fishing vessels, is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Faced with challenges from offshore fishing, many vessels have shifted to near-shore fishing using destructive methods, severely damaging marine ecosystems.
To protect natural fishery resources, local authorities, particularly in Ha Tien, are stepping up enforcement, including criminal prosecution of violations. Ha Tien has conducted thorough inspections of local and neighboring vessels, focusing on registration, fishing licenses, and compliance with environmental regulations.
In addition to inspections, the city has increased public awareness campaigns, urging vessel owners to comply with registration and avoid illegal fishing activities abroad. Despite some violations found, including unregistered vessels and banned fishing methods, the authorities remain committed to cracking down on illegal activities.
Kiên Giang's efforts aim to restore and protect the province's marine resources, promoting sustainable fishing practices while safeguarding national security and economic growth.