Over 99 percent of fishing boats equipped with monitoring devices in Quang Ngai
Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) are compulsory for offshore fishing vessels with a length of 15 metres or more.
There are currently 27 boats that haven't installed the device but most of them are small-sized boats that operate near shore, local authorities have said. A list of those who haven't installed the device has been closely monitored.
The Vessel Monitoring System has helped detect 68 boats that illegally fished in territorial waters of other countries since the beginning of this year. Some 196 others lost contact for over 10 days. These violations have been fined.
Vietnam has required the installment of monitoring devices on offshore fishing boats, a move to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, according to the Directorate of Fisheries.
The Directorate of Fisheries said Vietnam has sufficient legal tools and strictly enforced rules on the management, licensing and registration of fishing boats, and for ensuring the security and safety of those vessels at sea.
It has also issued resolutions and mechanisms to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure security and safety for fishing boats at sea.
