In recent years, Ha Tinh has recorded no cases of vessels crossing permitted maritime boundaries or illegally fishing in foreign waters, which authorities attribute to round-the-clock monitoring.
The province treats the work as an urgent political priority and is seeking to have the European Commission's yellow card against Vietnam's seafood exports lifted.
All fishing vessels have been registered and their data synchronised with the National Fisheries Database, Vnfishbase. Vessels that do not meet operating requirements are monitored and barred from going to sea.
All operating offshore fishing vessels measuring 15 metres or longer have vessel monitoring system (VMS) devices. Ha Tinh has also put nine temporary landing sites into operation at Xuan Hoi, Cua Sot and Cua Nhuong ports, and held 21 training courses attended by more than 1,584 people.
Mai Van Luan said the share of vessels completing procedures through the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT) had increased from 27% to 46%. Port authorities and border guards check vessel movements daily to maintain transparent seafood landing records.
Communication efforts have improved fishermen's awareness of regulations, while coastal community fisheries groups monitor local waters, discourage destructive practices and report violations.
Fisherman Bui Ngoc Canh said regular guidance had helped local fishermen understand the importance of fishing logs and keeping VMS devices operating around the clock.
Sedimentation in channels serving major ports still threatens vessel safety and disrupts port access and seafood unloading. Fisheries personnel and VMS operators also face heavy workloads because of limited staffing.
Ha Tinh will tighten controls on vessels ineligible to operate, promote Decree No. 246/2026/ND-CP on administrative penalties and standardise eCDT procedures across fishing ports.
The province has proposed funding for dredging at three ports, upgrading Ky Ninh port to international standards, providing offshore surveillance vessels and introducing specific policies for relevant personnel.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
