Dak Lak province has stepped up public awareness efforts on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. On October 15, it held a conference on external information, dissemination of information about sovereignty over the country’s borders, seas and islands, and compliance with fisheries law.
The event was organised by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the provincial Border Guard Command and the People’s Committee of Hoa Hiep ward. It brought together officials from 34 communes and wards in the eastern part of the province and 150 local fishermen.
Border guard officers briefed participants on the province’s 2026 regulations and implementation plan for external information activities, as well as historical evidence and legal grounds affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.
Fishermen were also briefed on anti-IUU fishing regulations, with a focus on Government Decree No. 246/2026/ND-CP, dated June 29, 2026, on administrative penalties in the fisheries sector.
The provincial Border Guard considers public outreach a regular and important task, particularly in helping fishermen understand maritime law and comply with fishing regulations. The work is also part of the nationwide campaign to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood lifted.
Dang Van Thong, owner of fishing vessel PY-51138 in Hoa Hiep ward, said he and other local fishermen had become more aware of permitted fishing areas and the consequences of violations, especially as penalties have become stricter.
Huynh Tan Hiep, head of the Phu Tho neighbourhood Farmers’ Association branch, said fishermen had paid greater attention to presenting the required documents when vessels entered or left ports. They also avoided fishing in foreign waters, helping ensure seafood traceability and protect national maritime sovereignty.
Dak Lak has nearly 2,600 registered fishing vessels in the national database. All nearly 690 vessels measuring at least 15 metres in length, which are required to carry vessel monitoring system (VMS) equipment, have installed the devices. All fishing vessels have also been marked and bear registration numbers as required.
From August to October, the province has focused on measures to fully address recommendations on combating IUU fishing.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
