Directive No. 08/2005/CT-BTS on the implementation of activities to collect samples for statistical data on basic fishing operations

DIRECTIVE OF THE MINISTER OF AQUATIC RESOURCES

Regarding the implementation of activities to collect samples for statistical data on basic fishing operations

The source of statistical data on basic fishing operations includes all information related to marine product harvesting activities which are significant in the development of planning, management, and direction for the fisheries industry. In recent years, the Ministry of Fisheries has achieved certain results through several programs and projects aimed at establishing a system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations. However, this system still does not meet the requirements for managing the industry and needs further supplementation and improvement.

To address the above situation, enhance the foundation for evaluating sustainable fishing indicators to serve the development policies of the fisheries industry; based on Articles 19 and 51 of the Fisheries Law, Circular Jointly Issued No. 01/2005/TTLT/BTS-BNV dated February 3, 2005 regarding guidance on functions, tasks, and organizational structure of specialized agencies assisting provincial People's Committees under the central government in managing fisheries, the Minister of Fisheries issues the following Directive:

1. Implement regular activities of the system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations nationwide through the following forms:

- Establishing a department responsible for managing the system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations at the Ministry of Fisheries.

- Organizing local statistical staff and implementing sample collection at grassroots levels (fish ports, fish landing sites).

- Managing and operating the Statistical Data System on basic fishing operation data from the Ministry of Fisheries to local fisheries management agencies in 28 coastal provinces.

2. Assign the Directorate of Fisheries Resource Exploitation and Protection:

- To take the lead in coordinating with relevant agencies and units within the Ministry to organize the operation of the system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations and report to the Ministry on the results of activities annually.

- To receive and manage the existing system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations from the Vietnam Marine Resources Assessment Project (ALMRV); develop plans and implement regular activities starting from 2006.

- To complete and supplement methods and procedures for sample collection, issue standardized statistical forms, logbooks, and reports for uniform application nationwide.

- To manage and train the national team of basic fishing operation statisticians; organize the implementation of sample collection and logbook recording; analyze and evaluate information received from grassroots areas.

- To organize regular activities of the group of technical experts in marine fishing; coordinate in extracting data sources, compiling reports to assess sustainable fishing indicators over time; provide and advise across multiple fields for decision-makers in managing and developing the fisheries industry.

3. Provincial Fisheries Departments, Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (with state management responsibilities for fisheries) shall be responsible for:

- Proposing to the Provincial People's Committee to allocate additional personnel, support funding, and issue directives to implement activities at the local level in accordance with the spirit of this Directive.

- Directing the Fishery Resource Protection Sub-Department, Port Management Board, and coordinating with relevant sectors and levels at the local level to implement the system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations; directing and informing ship owners and captains engaged in marine product harvesting to responsibly record logbooks and provide accurate information according to the requirements of local statisticians.

4. The Departments of Cadre Organization, Science and Technology, Planning and Finance, Institutes, and other relevant units under the Ministry shall be responsible for coordinating with the Directorate of Fisheries Resource Exploitation and Protection in directing and organizing the activities of the system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations.

5. The Directorate of Fisheries Resource Exploitation and Protection shall be responsible for preparing specific plans to submit to competent authorities for approval of funding for regular activities starting from 2006; seeking technical and financial support from programs, projects, and organizations both domestically and internationally to effectively implement the system for collecting samples of statistical data on basic fishing operations.

6. The Heads of the Office, Department Heads, Inspector General of the Ministry, Director of the Directorate of Fisheries Resource Exploitation and Protection, Directors of Provincial Fisheries Departments, Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (with state management responsibilities for fisheries), Chiefs of Fishery Resource Protection Sub-Departments in coastal provinces, and Heads of units under the Ministry shall be responsible for organizing and implementing this Directive.

7. This Directive shall take effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette./.