Fishing Port Infrastructure: Key to Removing IUU Yellow Card in Quang Tri
The development of fishing port infrastructure in Quang Tri province is being recognized as one of the crucial factors helping this region move closer to the goal of removing the IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) yellow card issued by the European Commission (EC). The decisive efforts in fleet management, violation handling, and seafood origin control are yielding positive results for the locality.
Background of the IUU Yellow Card and Challenges in Quang Tri
In 2017, the EC issued a "yellow card" for Vietnamese seafood due to concerns about IUU fishing activities. In this context, Quang Tri, with a coastline of over 30km and a system of 12 fishing ports, faces numerous challenges in controlling fishing activities and protecting marine resources.
However, the province has identified fishing port development as a core solution to enhance management effectiveness, control vessels and seafood, thereby contributing to the national effort to remove the IUU yellow card.
Investment in Comprehensive Fishing Port System
Quang Tri has implemented a comprehensive investment plan for its fishing port system with total funding amounting to hundreds of billions of Vietnamese Dong. Key projects being developed include:
- Cua Tung Fishing Port - an important anchoring point for offshore fishing vessels
- Dong Ha Fishing Port - the province's seafood logistics center
- Upgrading and modernizing small local fishing ports
The new fishing ports are being built with comprehensive infrastructure, modern equipment, and 24/7 surveillance systems, creating favorable conditions for controlling vessels right from the port.
Smart Surveillance Systems at Fishing Ports
One of the highlights in the development of fishing port infrastructure in Quang Tri is the application of smart technology. Camera, sensor, and management software surveillance systems have been installed at major ports, helping to:
- Monitor vessel entry and exit activities
- Accurately register fishing vessel and fisherman information
- Control seafood volume brought to the port
- Early detection of suspicious activities
Fleet Management and Violation Handling
In addition to infrastructure investment, Quang Tri has strengthened fleet management and violation handling. Measures implemented include:
| Measure | Implementation Details | Results Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Management | Registration, issuance, and revocation of fishing permits | 100% of fishing vessels have valid permits |
| Vessel Monitoring System | Installation of VMS equipment on fishing vessels with 90HP or more | 95% of fishing vessels equipped with monitoring devices |
| Inspection and Control | Enhanced patrol and inspection at ports and at sea | 40% reduction in violations compared to previous |
Seafood Origin Control
The modern fishing port system in Quang Tri has facilitated seafood origin control. Measures applied include:
- Digital fishing logbooks - requiring fishermen to record detailed information about voyages and catches
- Technology to trace seafood from vessel to market
- Electronic weighing systems at ports to verify catch volumes
- Onshore seafood classification according to export standards
Technology Applications in Traceability
Quang Tri is pioneering the application of blockchain technology in seafood traceability. Each seafood batch is assigned a unique code, recording all information from harvesting, transportation, processing to consumption. This helps:
- Transparent supply chains
- Preventing IUU seafood from entering the value chain
- Enhancing value and reputation for local seafood
Results and Progress in Removing IUU Yellow Card
Thanks to efforts in fishing port infrastructure development and accompanying management solutions, Quang Tri has achieved many positive results:
| Indicator | Implementation Status | Impact on IUU Yellow Card Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Vessels with Monitoring Equipment | 95% of fishing vessels with 90HP or more | Meets EC recommendations |
| Standard-compliant Ports | 5/12 fishing ports certified as meeting standards | Enhances control capacity at ports |
| Reduction in Violation Rate | 40% decrease compared to 2020 | Improves image of fisheries sector |
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite achieving many results, Quang Tri still faces several challenges in the process of removing the IUU yellow card:
- Limited funding for continued infrastructure investment
- Fishermen's reluctance to change, especially in adopting technology
- Small fishing port systems not yet comprehensively connected
- Difficulties in controlling small fishing vessels and free boats
To continue the process of removing the IUU yellow card, Quang Tri has set strategic directions:
- Perfecting the fishing port system meeting international standards
- Strengthening the application of digital technology in fisheries management
- Enhancing inspection and monitoring capacity at ports and at sea
- Developing sustainable seafood value chains
Conclusion
Fishing port infrastructure is not only an effective tool for Quang Tri to manage fishing activities but also a key element in efforts to remove the IUU yellow card. The achievements demonstrate that with proper investment and decisive implementation, the locality can fully meet EC recommendations, contributing to enhancing the position and reputation of Vietnamese seafood in the international market.
Quang Tri is becoming a model for fishing port infrastructure development and sustainable fisheries management that can be replicated in other coastal provinces across the country, especially in the context of Vietnam's efforts to remove the IUU yellow card from the EC.
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