Identifying Fishing Vessels by Paint Color: An Effective Solution Against IUU Fishing

Giving Fishing Vessels a “New Look”

In fishing ports like Lien Huong, Phan Ri Cua, La Gi, and Phan Thiet, boat owners are hurriedly renovating their vessels to meet the new regulations.

According to the new rules, fishing boats that are permitted to operate are categorized based on the color of their wheelhouse paint. Vessels that are 15 meters or longer are painted light gray; those measuring between 12 meters and just under 15 meters are painted yellow; and boats that are from 6 meters to just under 12 meters are painted blue.

This color-coded system allows authorities to more efficiently inspect and oversee fishing operations at sea, as well as manage vessel departures and arrivals.

At Phan Ri Cua Fishing Port in Phan Ri Cua Commune, fishermen have taken advantage of windy days and fishing breaks to repaint their wheelhouses according to the prescribed colors.

Fisherman Pham Binh from Hai Tan 2 Hamlet mentioned that most local fishing boats have upgraded their wheelhouses to meet state regulations. He also noted that fisheries surveillance and border guard units frequently encourage fishermen to continue fishing offshore while avoiding encroachment on foreign waters.

Le Duong Hoang Thuy of Area I Fisheries Surveillance Station in Phan Ri Cua Commune stated that the unit carries out regular patrols and exercises strict oversight over estuaries, coastal regions, and waters under its jurisdiction. Fishing vessels that fail to meet regulatory standards are prohibited from departing the port. Additionally, officials continue to raise fishermen's awareness of the importance of following legal regulations. Up to now, local fishermen have largely shown a strong commitment to adhering to IUU prevention measures.

Digitizing Fisheries Data

Vo Minh Chien, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phan Ri Cua Commune, mentioned that the area is a crucial center for fisheries in the province, hosting numerous fishing boats and fishermen. Consequently, local authorities frequently carry out awareness initiatives and enhance the oversight of the fishing fleet.

Fishing vessels that fail to meet operational standards are not allowed to go offshore, and infractions related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing are dealt with rigorously. These actions contribute to raising fishermen's awareness and reducing instances of violations.

Recently, the commune initiated the “Phan Ri Cua Fishermen United in Preventing Illegal Fishing” model. With this program, the steering committee focuses on overseeing security and order issues related to fishing, especially brokerage activities linked to illegal fishing. They also coordinate patrols, closely track when vessels leave and return, and encourage fishermen and their families to adhere to IUU regulations.

Additionally, the area is enhancing digital transformation in fisheries management by digitizing vessel departure logs, updating catch volume data from ports, and integrating fisheries information on digital platforms.

Nguyen Van Chien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that the province's initiatives against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have achieved significant results in recent years.

Coastal localities have gradually curbed and eliminated cases of fishing vessels illegally operating in foreign waters. Meanwhile, vessel registration, inspection, and monitoring have been carried out rigorously, covering nearly all fishing vessels under provincial management.

The standardization of vessel identification and the digitalization of fisheries data are helping strengthen fishermen's awareness of legal compliance.

From vessel identification systems to digital fisheries management platforms, Lam Dong's fisheries sector is gradually becoming more organized and transparent, moving toward responsible and sustainable development.