The Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 Command presents national flags to fishermen in Tien Thanh ward, Lam Dong province. Photo: VNA  

The Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 Command, in coordination with relevant agencies of Lam Dong province, carry out legal education activities for local fishermen on preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on August 22-23, as part of the “Coast guard accompanies fishermen” programme in Phuoc Hoi and Tien Thanh wards.

The outreach focused on maritime and island laws, particularly regulations on combating IUU fishing. Through dialogues, leaflets, consultations and question-and-answer sessions, coast guard officers helped fishermen better understand fishing-zone boundaries, requirements for installing vessel monitoring systems, and necessary legal procedures for offshore fishing.

At the events, vessel owners signed commitments not to engage in IUU fishing, demonstrating their sense of responsibility and compliance with the law, as well as their determination to join nationwide efforts to have the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood exports lifted.

Col. Bui Vinh Tran, Deputy Political Commissar of the Fisheries Surveillance Division No. 4 under the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 Command, said the programme represents a practical effort to raise fishermen’s legal awareness, care for their livelihoods, strengthen their trust and encourage them to remain at sea.

He added that it also helps enhance the responsibility of local Party committees, authorities and residents in coordinating with the coast guard to safeguard national sovereignty and enforce the law at sea, as well as contributes to strengthening military-civilian solidarity, thereby firmly protecting national sovereignty, security, order and safety in maritime areas and islands.

According to the officer, the programme is not limited to immediate assistance but also carries long-term significance. Coast Guard Region 3 will continue to stay close to local communities, understand and support fishermen in practical and effective ways, while working alongside relevant forces and fishermen to implement comprehensive, coordinated and decisive measures against IUU fishing.

These efforts will help address shortcomings in the management and monitoring of fishing activities, contributing to nationwide efforts to have the EC’s “yellow card” removed and promoting sustainable, responsible and internationally integrated fisheries development, he said.

During the programme, the working delegation from Coast Guard Region 3 Command presented 90 gift packages and essential supplies to families of people with meritorious services to the nation and disadvantaged fishermen. It also distributed 200 national flags, 200 IUU fishing awareness leaflets and flashlights to local fishermen.

On the occasion, Coast Guard Region 3 coordinated with Hung Vuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City to provide free medical check-ups and medicines to residents in Tien Thanh ward./.