Binh Thuan effectively takes measures against IUU fishing: Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien

 BTO- Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Reral Development (MARD) Phung Duc Tien on September 4 led a delegation to make an inspection in Binh Thuan on the implementation of European Commision (EC)’s warning against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; management of aquaculture breed, situation pig farming and prevention of disease on livestock.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee of Binh Thuan province Le Tuan Phong along with leaders of concerning departments and localities received and directly worked with the delegation.

Mr. Mai Kieu- Director of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, on a meeting with the delegation, reported that during the first 8 months of 2020,  the Covid-19 pandemic has posed negative impacts on marine production and business of Binh Thuan province, especially from January to April. However, thanks to the province’s active solutions on production promotion, maritime sector (seafood exploitation, aquaculture, sea food processing) has been stably maintained.

As of the end of August, 2020, Binh Thuan has totally 6,578 fishing vessels over 6-meter in length. Eight-month’s marine catch reached 142,801 tons, accounting for 68% of the year’s plan.  Over the past time, the provincial authorities have taken many drastic measures to prevent local fishing ships and fishermen from violating foreign waters. Accordingly, functional agencies have handled with 268 cases violating EC’s IUU warning, with a total fine of VND 1.7 billion. 1,700 out of 1,917 (88.63%) fishing boats at least 15 meter-long in Binh Thuan  have been  equiped with vessels monitroring system (VMS). The remaining 218 boats have faced difficulties or undergone transfer contracts.

In the first 8 months of the year, breeding sector has maintained its growth, with the recovery of pig farming. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien highly appeciated Binh Thuan’s efforts in the implementation of  EC’s warnings against IUU fishing in the locality. Since July, 2019, there have been no fishing boat or fishing labours violating the waters of foreign territories. Local fishermen have improved their awareness about harmful effects of illegal fishing in foreign waters. Moreover, fishing port infrastructures in Binh Thuan has been equipped more simultaneously than that in a number of localities. Mr. Tien emphasized that, aquaculture is considered as one of important economic sectors, so Binh Thuan should ramp up performing its tasks, along with the whole country. Especially, it’s important toboost managemnt work on fishing fleets and timely deal with boat with high risks of violating IUU warnings. Especially, fishery sector must engage in exploitation towards sustainable development in line with regulations, avoid post-exploitation loss and ensure food hygiene and safety.

Eventually, Mr. Phung Duc Tien urged department of Agriculture and Rural Development to suggest the provincial People’s Committee to direct vavcination for livestocks in prevention of diseases.

 Translated by Phuong Lan (Source: Binh Thuan Online)