Khánh Hòa Plans to Monitor About 500 Fishing Vessels Using Satellites and AI

Vietnam’s Khánh Hòa province plans to install tracking devices on about 500 fishing vessels measuring 12 meters to under 15 meters in length, piloting the use of satellite technology and artificial intelligence to monitor fishing activity. The project is expected to begin by the end of 2026 and run for 12 months. It aims to improve fisheries management, protect aquatic resources and help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Fishers in Khánh Hòa province take their vessels out to sea.（VietVance）

The pilot will be carried out by the French company Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS). The French government is providing a nonrepayable grant of 499,999 euros through the FASEP fund, reported in the original account as equivalent to more than VND 14 billion. A representative of the economic section of the French Embassy in Vietnam presented the project at a meeting with Khánh Hòa officials on November 10, 2026.

Fishing vessels taking part in the pilot are expected to receive NEMO tracking devices and use electronic fishing logs. The devices can transmit data via satellite and mobile networks. The system will also combine AI, satellite imagery and oceanographic data to track vessels remotely, identify unusual fishing activity, analyze fishing intensity and assess the impact of fishing on marine protected areas.

The French side hopes the two parties will soon sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation. Khánh Hòa is working with Vietnamese central authorities to complete procedures for receiving the aid, with the aim of finishing them and launching the project by the end of 2026. A vice chairperson of Khánh Hòa province said the devices would help strengthen local fishing vessel management and support Vietnam’s efforts to address the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning over illegal fishing.

Source: VietVance