Fishermen in Nghe An are embracing digital transformation, updating every fishing trip and vessel's journey on the eCDT software.
Vietnam's fisheries sector is striving to escape the European Commission's "yellow card" warning. The application of digital technology in fishing and seafood traceability has become a key solution. In Nghe An province, fishermen are actively implementing the eCDT software – an electronic seafood traceability system – as part of their digital transformation in the fishing industry.
New images at the seaport.
On July 7th, at Lach Quen fishing port (Quynh Luu district), the atmosphere was bustling throughout the seafood unloading area. While the crew members were busy bringing the fish ashore after a long fishing trip, Mr. To Huy Hung - owner of the vessel NA 92888 TS - was intently performing traceability operations on his smartphone. He was declaring port entry and exit, catch volume, and the ship's return route to port through the eCDT software.
“Initially, I was very confused, not knowing how to access the app or what fields to fill out. But after being guided by port officials a few times, I’m now familiar with it. Electronic declaration saves time,” Mr. Hung said.
It's not just Hung; more and more fishermen in Nghe An are gradually accessing and mastering the eCDT software. From the habit of handwriting logs of their voyages, catch figures, and port procedures, they are gradually shifting to digitized operations on smartphones, even though most of them are still unfamiliar with technology.
Despite the promising initial results, the implementation of eCDT in Nghe An still faces many challenges. First and foremost is the human factor – the majority of fishermen are unfamiliar with digital technology and have limited skills in using the equipment. Furthermore, many use older smartphones that lack the necessary specifications to install applications, or frequently malfunction due to humid working conditions and seawater corrosion.
Furthermore, when vessels operate in offshore areas, weak or no internet signal leads to interrupted data updates. Meanwhile, the eCDT software requires fairly frequent data reporting; failure to do so on schedule can affect the confirmation of catch after each voyage.
"I've only been using a touchscreen phone for a few years, and I'm still clumsy with apps. I've been out at sea for days without internet access, so I couldn't update my information. I could only report it back at the fishing port," shared an elderly fisherman at Lach Quen fishing port.
Towards a modern fisheries industry.
One of the key objectives of implementing the eCDT system is to support the process of removing the IUU "yellow card" that the EC has applied to Vietnamese seafood for many years. The EC requires countries exporting seafood to Europe to demonstrate clear origin, that they are not engaging in illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing.
In Nghe An, the application of eCDT software has created a transparent data chain serving the verification of production volume and the issuance of certificates of origin for purchasing businesses. As a result, the processing time is faster, reducing pressure on both management agencies and the people. This is an important condition that helps seafood harvested in Nghe An reach international markets at more competitive prices.
According to Mr. Phan Tien Chuong, Director of the Nghe An Fisheries Port Management Board, to ensure that traceability is implemented synchronously and effectively, the unit has organized many training courses and provided direct guidance to fishermen, ship owners, and businesses on the process of using the eCDT software. The training content includes declaring fishing vessel entry and exit from ports, updating catch volumes, creating fishing logs, and creating dossiers to request confirmation of catch volumes and certification of seafood origin.
“From the beginning of 2024 until now, we have issued more than 800 software accounts to fishing vessels in the area. At designated fishing ports, most fishermen have adopted electronic declaration methods. This is a major step forward, affirming the province's determination to digitally transform the fisheries sector,” Mr. Chuong affirmed.
With the eCDT software, fishermen can proactively and transparently declare their fishing trips and catch volumes quickly. Management units such as the Fisheries Sub-Department, the Border Guard Command, and the Management Boards of fishing ports and storm shelter areas can update data in real time, easily monitor fishing vessels, and detect any unusual signs in fishing operations.
"Previously, each time we requested production confirmation, it took half a day of handwritten paperwork and waiting for officials to verify the information. Now, with just a few clicks on the software, the data is readily available. Certification for businesses is also convenient and fast," Mr. Chuong added.
Practical implementation in Nghe An shows that the eCDT software is not only a temporary solution to lift the IUU "yellow card," but also a fundamental tool towards modernizing the management of the fisheries sector. When all exploitation activities - from departure, fishing, docking, to consumption - are digitized and systematically stored, it will create a transparent value chain, enhancing the reputation and value of Vietnamese seafood products.
Nghe An province has a large fishing fleet, with over 3,400 vessels, including more than 1,500 vessels over 12 meters in length. Therefore, the number of vessels returning to port to unload seafood after harvesting is quite large.
Digital transformation is an inevitable trend. Although there are still many difficulties, if fishermen and management agencies work together, we will be able to build a sustainable, modern fisheries sector that is competitive in the international market.
Mr. Phan Tien Chuong - Director of the Nghe An Fisheries Port Management Board
