Through stronger law enforcement, comprehensive digitalization of fisheries management and enhanced traceability systems, the country has demonstrated its determination to build a responsible and sustainable fishing sector in line with international standards.

Vietnam’s fisheries management has undergone a fundamental transformation. From largely unmonitored fishing trips in the past, today every fishing vessel must comply with strict legal requirements, including registration, licensing and vessel monitoring systems (VMS). All fishing activities are now tracked via satellite, enabling authorities to monitor fishing zones, catches and compliance in real time.

In 2025, the country completed the digitalization of its national fishing vessel database, registering approximately 79,200 vessels, equivalent to 100% coverage nationwide. The nationwide deployment of VMS has significantly strengthened control over fishing activities at sea.

Addressing one of the EC’s key recommendations, Vietnam has also fully digitalized its seafood traceability system. According to Vu Duyen Hai, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries Surveillance, the entire process, from fishermen and fishing ports to regulators and exporters, is now integrated into an electronic system, ensuring transparency and verifiable origin for seafood products exported to the EU and other international markets.

Legal enforcement has also been intensified. The issuance of the Government’s Decree No. 301/2025 in November 2025 strengthened sanctions against fisheries violations, enhancing deterrence and enforcement capacity. As a result, the rate of violations has dropped to below 1% of the total fishing fleet, while incidents of Vietnamese vessels being detained abroad have declined sharply.

“For vessels that do not meet operational requirements, we inform and encourage fishermen to complete all necessary procedures, while closely monitoring the location of each vessel in coordination with the Coast Guard to ensure they do not set sail. In cases where vessels lose connection to the monitoring system, authorities conduct thorough investigations, verification, and strict enforcement to deter violations,” said Phan Van My, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including the management of unregistered vessels and the risk of illegal incursions into foreign waters. In response, the Vietnamese Government has held weekly high-level meetings since mid-October 2025 to address outstanding issues and ensure accountability.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to completely eliminating IUU fishing, restructuring the fisheries sector toward sustainability, expanding aquaculture, and strengthening international cooperation, while safeguarding fishermen’s livelihoods.

“Based on the objective of ending illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, we are focusing on restructuring and developing the fisheries sector sustainably, as well as ensuring livelihoods and employment for local communities. In particular, we are strengthening cooperative fishing with neighbouring countries, expanding aquaculture, and reducing high-risk offshore fishing activities,” he stated.

Vietnam’s intensified efforts to combat IUU fishing reflect not only its determination to have the EU’s ‘yellow card’ lifted, but also its long-term vision for a transparent, responsible and sustainable fisheries sector. Upholding maritime discipline and international law is seen as a foundation for deeper global integration and sustainable growth of Vietnam’s fisheries sector.

HCM City vows to combat IUU fishing, promote sustainable fisheries

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City is ramping up a wide range of measures to firmly combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming to contribute to the national goal of removing the European Commission’s “yellow card” and promoting sustainable fisheries.