Da Nang works to increase traceability of seafood products

The plan has been disseminated to companies and fishermen so they are well aware of risk assessment and inspection criteria to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities as instructed by the European Commission (EC).

In the last three months Pham Lieu, a fisherman from Da Nang city, has become familiar with declaring the origin of his aquatic products at Tho Quang fishing port.

Lieu says this procedure is important because the EC has tightened regulations for exporters and fishermen. He underscored the link between fishermen, local administrations, and enterprises to ensure the profitability of aquatic products.

“Tho Quang fishing port officers are on duty around the clock to check the record of all catches. This will help ensure the quality of local seafood. For example, when you catch a fish of 50 to 70 kg, it can be sold for US$1,000 in Japan. If you can show a daily log that traces its origin, the fish will sell for US$350 or its price will drop by half without the log."

Many ship owners see that, although it might take extra time to declare the origins of aquatic products, it will benefit them in the long run.

Fisherman Nguyen Hau of Son Tra district says a daily log is indispensable on every of his voyage. When fishermen strictly follow the regulations, the seafood will be worth more, Hau stressed, adding that careful preparation is better for the fishermen. Using fishing logs has standardized fishing.

The Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has worked with the Border Guards Command and functional agencies to set up a Fisheries Control Office to set risk assessment and inspection criteria to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. A coordination mechanism among the relevant agencies has been built to ensure round-the-clock inspection, control the departure and arrival of fishing vessels and handle violations of fishing laws in waters under the city’s management.

Lieutenant colonel Nguyen Tong Khuong of the Da Nang Border Guards Command said enforcing declarations of origin faced some initial difficulties, but now the process is working smoothly.

“In normal weather, the captain must contact the Border Guards at least once a day and declare the co-ordinates of his vessel so we can deliver early danger warnings when necessary and closely monitor the ship’s operation,” Khuong said.

In the first half of this year, Tho Quang port received as many as 55 returning vessels each day and traced the origin of their aquatic products. The department has coordinated with the Border Guards Command and district People’s Committees to organize classes at which aquatic exporters and ship owners or captains have learned about the new regulations of the 2017 Law on Fisheries, IUU prevention activities, and proper certification of aquatic products. Similar classes have been held for all local fishermen.