Ho chi minh city: Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying the enforcement of regulations on vessel monitoring system (VMS) installed on fishing vessels, as part of urgent efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Ho Chi Minh City has 4,449 fishing vessels, of them 4,301 equipped with VMS devices, making up 96.67%.

According to Vietnam News Agency, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the management and monitoring of fishing activities in the region. The city authorities are prioritizing the installation and maintenance of VMS devices to ensure compliance with national and international fishing regulations.

Efforts are being made to address the remaining 148 vessels that currently lack VMS devices, with a focus on promoting awareness among vessel owners about the importance of adhering to these regulations. The city aims to achieve full compliance to contribute to sustainable fishing practices and to prevent IUU fishing activities that threaten marine ecosystems.

The enhanced law enforcement measures are expected to bolster the city's capability to monitor fishing operations more effectively, thereby protecting marine resources and ensuring the livelihood of communities dependent on fishing.