To strengthen measures for natural disaster management in the fisheries sector in Vietnam in 2024

To strengthen measures for natural disaster management in the fisheries sector in Vietnam in 2024 (Internet image)

On May 15, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Official Dispatch 3475/BNN-TS on strengthening measures for natural disaster management in the fisheries sector in 2024.

To strengthen measures for natural disaster management in the fisheries sector in Vietnam in 2024

In light of the unpredictable effects of climate change, extreme weather conditions, and natural disasters during the stormy season in 2024, in order to ensure safety and minimize damages to people and property of the fishing community, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development proposes that the People's Committees of provinces and central-affiliated cities enhance their guidance on natural disaster management in the fisheries sector at the local level and implement the following measures:

- Continue to strictly implement the contents of Directive 42-CT/TW dated March 24, 2020, of the Central Party Committee on strengthening the Party's leadership in natural disaster management, response, and recovery, as well as Decision 987/QD-TTg dated April 6, 2021, of the Prime Minister on the implementation plan of Directive 42-CT/TW; Decision 553/QD-TTg dated April 6, 2021, of the Prime Minister approving the project "Enhancing community awareness and community-based disaster risk management by 2030"; Directive 09/CT-TTg dated June 1, 2022, of the Prime Minister, and Decision 1651/QD-TTg dated December 30, 2022, of the Prime Minister on the approval of the comprehensive national natural disaster management program.

- Continue to guide and strictly implement Directive 49/CT-BNN-TCTS dated January 6, 2021, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on enhancing the management of fishing vessels to ensure the safety of fishermen and fishing activities; strictly handle cases of non-compliance with safety regulations, such as not equipping with lifebuoys and life jackets as required in Appendix IV attached to Circular 23/2018/TT-BNNPTNT.

- Strengthen natural disaster management in the fisheries sector to meet the "four on the spot" principle; mobilize all resources to implement prevention, response, and minimize damages caused by natural disasters. Develop disaster response plans for different scenarios to proactively prevent and mitigate damage to people and property. Develop plans to arrange and anchor fishing vessels in safe harbors to avoid storms and typhoons. Develop plans to reinforce ponds, lakes, and aquaculture cages, as well as seed production and breeding facilities located in the affected areas. Develop plans for harvesting aquaculture products that are suitable when there are forecasts of upcoming natural disasters.

- Organize communication and guidance to fishermen to comply with the laws and regulations on fisheries exploitation, production, seed breeding, and aquaculture; comply with the instructions and directives of relevant state agencies in natural disaster management, response, and recovery. Review the demand for aquaculture seeds, fish feed, and environmental treatment products to restore production immediately after the occurrence of natural disasters. Instruct the local people to conduct surveys on the quantity, area, and extent of damages to have a basis for support as stipulated in Decree 02/ND-CP dated January 9, 2017, of the Government on mechanisms and policies to support agricultural production for the recovery of areas affected by natural disasters and epidemics; Decision 118/QD-TTg dated July 25, 2007, of the Prime Minister on supporting fishermen in overcoming risks caused by natural disasters at sea; and Joint Circular 43/TTLT-BNNPTNT-KHDT dated November 23, 2015, guiding the statistics and assessment of damages caused by natural disasters.

- When a natural disaster occurs, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall promptly report the situation of fisheries activities at the local level to the Department of Fisheries (using the quick report form attached). Report on daily activities during natural disasters and send them to the Department of Fisheries at 06:00 and 16:00 daily via email: pclbts.trucban@gmail.com, phone: 02432444924, fax: 02432444920 for compilation and reporting to the National Steering Committee for natural disaster management and Search and Rescue.

- The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall assign leaders and specialists (full name, position, phone/fax at the office, mobile phone, email) to carry out natural disaster management tasks in the fisheries sector to facilitate communication, exchange, and timely information updates during natural disasters. The official letter assigning personnel from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development should be sent to the Department of Fisheries, 10 Nguyen Cong Hoan, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, before May 22, 2024.

More details can be found in Official Dispatch 3475/BNN-TS, dated May 15, 2024.

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE