Functional agencies instruct fishermen to install and register eCDT app at all six ports in Ba Ria-Vung Tau. (Photo: Luu Son)

Since March, Cat Lo port in VungTau city has utilized the national electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system (eCDT). To date, 100% of fishing boat owners and captains have registered have used the app to declare the output of unloaded seafood at the port and to trace the origin of exported seafood.

Tran Van An, owner of an offshore fishing boat, said: "This app is convenient for fishermen when they work at sea and declare the catch during their journey. I update the catch volume of 50 kg, then 70 kg, or 100kg, so when the boat docks at the port, I don’t have to declare any more as before. It’s fast and convenient.”

Huynh Van Minh, a fisherman in Phuoc Hai commune, Dat Do district, said since the eCDT app is used to replace manual logging, fishermen have found it very convenient. At first, there was some confusion because people were not adept at declaring on the app. But with the guidance of fisheries officers, border guards, and local authorities, the fishermen can use the app easily.                

“The app is easy to register and keep record online. Fishermen don’t have to declare in person. When going for offshore fishing, we must avoid the prohibited fishing zone. We need to enter fishing data on the app and declare clearly. If we violate the rules, we will be fined,” said Minh.

eCDT app is widely applied by fishermen in Ba Ria-Vung Tau

Nguyen Van Ho, Deputy Director of the Fishing Port Management Board of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, said that eCDT helps the ports and border stations quickly and precisely monitor boats to check-in and check-out: “At first the fishermen were confused when changing from the traditional fishing method to responsible fishing practices complying with national laws and international rules. But we’ll gradually resolve the problems. Our final goal is to have the EU’s yellow card removed.”

Keeping e-records of fish exploitation and traceability is an urgent requirement to make fishing output transparent and to have the EU's “yellow card” warning removed.