At the 14th meeting of the National Steering Committee on IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing, held on September 23 at the Government Office, PM Chinh emphasized that unresolved shortcomings could prevent the yellow card from being lifted and even risk escalation to a red card.

Officials reviewed nearly eight years of IUU countermeasures, noting positive results: institutional frameworks have been strengthened; management, inspection, and surveillance using technological and administrative measures have been enhanced; violations are being handled decisively; and aquaculture development is being promoted to reduce reliance on fishing while supporting livelihoods.

Despite progress, the EU yellow card remains in place due to ongoing challenges. These include ineffective control of ineligible fishing vessels, unresolved illegal fishing incidents abroad, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, An Giang, Ca Mau, Lam Dong, and Dak Lak provinces, noncompliant port inspections, and insufficient enforcement against violations such as VMS disconnections and operating beyond allowed boundaries.

The Vietnamese Government chief highlighted key causes: local authorities, especially leaders, have at times been lax and lacked comprehensive supervision; public compliance is uneven, with some attempts to circumvent regulations; infrastructure, exploitation, and traceability systems remain insufficient; and some vessels lack proper equipment, particularly VMS devices. Inspection and supervision have not always been regular or rigorous.

Looking ahead, PM Chinh stressed the urgent importance of developing the fisheries sector and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. He called for action across society, with local authorities taking the lead. He underscored the need to shift from offshore-dominated fishing to nearshore aquaculture and processing to enhance safety and uphold Vietnam’s reputation internationally.

To achieve these goals, he proposed immediate measures, including full engagement of authorities and society, rapid legislative review and issuance of resolutions to address legal gaps, restructuring the Steering Committee with strengthened enforcement capabilities, and forming a task force led by Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung, in coordination with the Supreme People’s Procuracy and Supreme People’s Court, to resolve ongoing cases.

The Government leader also urged continued outreach and awareness campaigns, especially to coastal fishermen, to promote IUU compliance. He assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment full responsibility for results, requiring weekly updates on progress to the EU.

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