At a working session in Hanoi on March 19, Fernando Andresen Guimaraes, director of the Directorate for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries at the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and head of the IUU inspection delegation, noted that Vietnam has made remarkable efforts and achieved substantial progress in tackling IUU fishing.

According to the EC representative, Vietnam has implemented a wide range of synchronised measures to eliminate IUU fishing, contributing to sustainable development and the transition toward a green economy. Key achievements include the development and operation of the Vietnam Fisheries Database (VNFishbase), the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), and the installation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on nearly 100% of eligible fishing vessels.

The EC delegation also commended Vietnam’s comprehensive approach and strong direction from the Government, as well as the regular operation of the national steering committee on combating IUU fishing.

However, the delegation pointed out several areas that require further attention, including ensuring transparency of seafood raw materials used in export processing plants and strictly handling cases of vessels losing VMS connection or deliberately manipulating monitoring devices to evade detection.

In addition to criminal sanctions, the EC recommended strengthening administrative penalties and applying supplementary measures such as license suspension or vessel confiscation for fishing vessels violating foreign waters, in order to enhance deterrence.

Vietnam’s efforts over the past eight years have been extraordinary, he said, adding that the country now holds the key to completing the remaining tasks. He reminded that this stage presents an important opportunity for Vietnam to establish a sustainable fisheries management system that can deliver long-term benefits to coastal communities. He also affirmed the EU’s continued readiness to support Vietnam in concluding the process and ultimately lifting the “yellow card.”

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasised that Vietnam does not view the implementation of IUU recommendations merely as a means to remove the “yellow card,” but as a fundamental and long-term strategy for sustainable development, marine resource protection, and securing livelihoods for fishermen, while fulfilling its international responsibilities.

Since 2017, when the EU issued the yellow card warning, Vietnam has undertaken a comprehensive reform roadmap. Recommendations from successive EC inspection missions have played an important role in improving policies, strengthening governance capacity, and enhancing marine environmental protection.

Vietnam is now entering a new development phase, aiming for higher standards in economic growth, digital transformation, green transition, and the sustainable development of its marine economy. This process is closely linked to global responsibilities, particularly in addressing climate change, marine plastic pollution, biodiversity conservation, and fisheries resource management.

In the fight against IUU fishing, he said, Vietnam has introduced strong legal reforms, increased administrative fines, and applied additional sanctions such as vessel confiscation for serious violations. Emerging violations, including traceability fraud, false declarations, and disruption of monitoring systems, are being reviewed and addressed.

On the technological front, Vietnam has deployed VMS, strengthened fisheries databases, and enhanced electronic traceability systems to ensure data that is accurate, sufficient, clean, and real-time, with integrated connectivity among authorities and businesses.

In terms of enforcement, Vietnam has mobilised all relevant maritime forces, combining technological monitoring with awareness-raising among fishermen, while proactively preventing violations in foreign waters.

At the same time, the fisheries governance model is being reformed with greater decentralisation to local authorities, supported by integrated digital data systems, while the central government focuses on policy-making and unified management frameworks.

Vietnam aims to increase marine protected areas to 6% of its total marine area by 2030, and to promote the transition to high-tech aquaculture and alternative sustainable livelihoods.

Reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stressed that Vietnam would continue to improve its legal framework, strictly handle violations, and enhance cooperation with the EU in digital transformation, data governance, sustainable marine economy development, and renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Vietnam committed to combatting IUU fishing, protecting fishermen’s livelihoods

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 19 met with the European Commission (EC) inspection delegation, reaffirming Vietnam’s strategic commitment to combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.