Da Nang fishermen are delighted as hundreds of "three-no" fishing vessels have recently received local government support to complete legal procedures and documentation, enabling them to confidently set sail and maintain their livelihoods at sea.

Da Nang fishermen are being educated on the benefits of registering and certifying fishing vessels with lengths ranging from 6 to 12 meters. Photo: T.Y

Heading out to sea with confidence

Recently, fishermen from Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, are bustling with preparations for their year-end fishing trips. The beach is livelier than ever, with the hum of engines blending with the cheerful chatter of those getting ready to set sail. On the boats, some are busy arranging fishing gear, and others are meticulously inspecting nets, while a few are occupied securing goods and essential supplies. Nguyen Xuan Anh, a fisherman living in Group 34, shared that his “3-no” fishing vessel recently received registration, certification, and an operational license from local authorities.

The day Nguyen Xuan Anh held the registration number DNa-11112-TS in his hands, he couldn’t hide his joy. He explained that for years, due to procedural hurdles and the inability to complete registration, his fishing vessel had been operating sporadically and, at times, unable to set sail at all. Thus, when the city introduced a policy to support the registration of fishing boats with lengths between 6 and 12 meters, he actively collaborated by providing information, images, and technical specifications of his vessel. “Now that the boat has legal documents, I can head out to sea with peace of mind, without worrying about penalties or difficulties entering and exiting the port,” Mr. Anh shared.

Thanks to the dedicated guidance from local authorities, approximately 40 “unregistered” fishing vessels in Lien Chieu District have successfully obtained legal documentation for fishing operations. After receiving the registration number DNa-11121-TS, fisherman Nguyen Hoa from Group 37, Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, boldly invested in upgrading his boat and purchasing additional fishing gear to prepare for extended fishing trips. In addition, he actively joined a fishing team at sea to enhance operational efficiency. Mr. Hoa shared that in the past, when his boat lacked legal documentation, fishing activities always carried significant risks.

"I used to worry every time I left the port—not only about being fined, but also about struggling to sell seafood at a good price due to the lack of proper documentation. Now, with the registration number DNa-11121-TS, things are different. My boat is legally recognized, and selling seafood has become much smoother," Mr. Hoa said cheerfully.

The support from local authorities has not only resolved the legal challenges faced by “3-no” fishing vessels but also laid the groundwork for more stable seafood exploitation. Nguyen Tien Dinh, a fisheries officer at Lien Chieu District Economic Office, explained that assisting unregistered fishing boats with their registration and certification is a key task to ensure the rights and safety of fishermen. As a result, the local government regularly organizes meetings and provides consultations to help fishermen understand the procedures for registering and certifying their vessels.

In addition to issuing legal documentation, fishermen are also educated about sustainable fishing practices, the protection of aquatic resources, and encouraged to install vessel monitoring systems. According to Mr. Dinh, this not only ensures compliance with regulations but also enables fishermen to access support policies such as preferential loans or fishing vessel insurance.

Since mid-2024, hundreds of “3-no” fishing vessels in Da Nang have been listed, inspected, and licensed by local authorities in the spirit of supporting fishermen in heading out to sea and maintaining their livelihoods. Notably, in Son Tra District, registration for 383 unregistered fishing boats has already been completed to date.

Mr. Huynh Van Hung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Son Tra District, shared that the support for “3-no” fishing vessels is being carried out with great determination, as it is a crucial part of stabilizing the livelihoods of fishermen and ensuring maritime security. "We have collaborated with the coastal communes to organize multiple awareness campaigns which clearly explained the benefits of registering and inspecting fishing boats. As a result, the fishermen have gained a clear understanding and are actively participating," Mr. Hung added.

Not just limited to completing legal documentation

The licensing of “3-no” fishing vessels is not only economically beneficial but also plays a crucial role in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This is one of the key solutions to help Vietnam gradually remove the EU's "yellow card" on fisheries, as recommended by the European Commission (EC).

According to Mr. Luu Quang Khanh, Head of the Fisheries Department, since the beginning of the year, a coordinated effort between the border guards, local authorities, and relevant agencies has led to the review and handling of 1,036 fishing vessels that do not meet operational standards. In addition to continuing to support the registration of related procedures, remaining cases will be guided on alternative solutions.

Mr. Khanh also shared, "We are determined not to allow illegal vessels to go to sea, while also intensifying awareness campaigns so that people can understand the importance of adhering to regulations when fishing at sea. In particular, the installation of tracking devices is mandatory, not only to protect fishermen but also to ensure compliance with international regulations."

It can be said that the process of issuing permits for “3-no” fishing vessels in Da Nang recently has not just focused on completing legal documentation, but also encouraged fishermen to adopt sustainable fishing practices. Many vessels in Son Tra and Thanh Khe districts, after being granted permits, have proactively installed tracking devices, adhered to fishing zone regulations, and avoided violating international maritime laws.

Vo Kim Tu, Head of the Economic Office of Thanh Khe District, confirmed that after two phases of issuing permits for 35 fishing vessels measuring 6–12 meters in length, Thanh Khe District has successfully eliminated all "3-no" fishing vessels. “Our goal is to ensure no fishermen are left behind. Legalizing fishing vessels not only provides them with peace of mind while fishing but also contributes to the sustainable protection and management of marine resources,” Mr. Tu emphasized.

With a strong commitment to preventing the emergence of "3-no" fishing vessels that could hinder efforts to combat IUU fishing, Son Tra District People's Committee has instructed relevant authorities to intensify patrolling and monitoring activities, and disseminate new regulations on sustainable fishing practices.

Mr. Huynh Van Hung affirmed that, thanks to the joint efforts of local authorities and fishermen, the district is gradually overcoming challenges in managing fishing vessels while aiming to safeguard long-term marine resources and prevent violations in fishing activities. These efforts not only reflect the determination of fishermen to engage in responsible fishing but also embody their resolve to venture out to sea and uphold the sacred sovereignty of the nation’s islands and waters.

In recent times, alongside guiding the implementation of legal documentation procedures, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the city has also intensified the promotion of other support policies. These include fuel provision, technical guidance on preserving products directly on fishing vessels, and the formation of cooperative fishing groups. These groups not only enable fishermen to assist one another in fishing activities but also play a crucial role in protecting the nation’s maritime sovereignty. It can be said that, with the support of local authorities and the determination of the fishermen, the once "3-no" fishing vessels have now become symbols of a commitment to change. They also inspire hope for a more prosperous and sustainable future for the coastal communities.

Reporting by TIEU YEN – Translating by HONG VAN