Recently, the Vietnamese government set a target to have the IUU ‘yellow card’ removed by the end of 2025, by implementing synchronised and decisive measures to achieve this goal.

Synchronised and decisive measures

To date, Vietnam has installed Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on over 28,600 fishing vessels, achieving a coverage rate of 98.2%. This system helps track vessel movements and promptly detect and handle violations related to IUU fishing.

In addition, it has launched an electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT) in January 2024, enabling transparent and accurate updates on catch volumes and seafood origins. This system is currently applied at 80 fishing ports and landing sites nationwide.

Coastal provinces with large offshore fishing fleets such as Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Binh Dinh, Ninh Thuan and Ba Ria – Vung Tau have actively implemented anti-IUU measures, including issuing fishing licenses, installing VMS devices, inspecting fishing logs, and strictly handling violators. Kien Giang alone for instance has licensed over 7,000 fishing vessels, with more than 3,600 vessels over 15m in length equipped with VMS.

A key focus is the elimination of all “Three No’s” fishing vessels that are unregistered, unlicensed, and uncertified - a primary source of illegal fishing activities and violations of foreign waters.

The “Three No’s” policy in the context of IUU combat is more than a slogan. It is a concrete national objective set by the Government to be fully addressed by 2025. Strict monitoring and enforcement are underway across the country, especially in provinces such as Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Binh Dinh, and Ba Ria–Vung Tau. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has said that putting an end to “Three-No’s” fishing vessels is a critical task that authorities must urgently carry out in 2025.

Besides, Vietnam has signed cooperation agreements with countries and international organisations such as Thailand, Australia, and the United States to share information and experiences in combating IUU fishing. The Vietnam Coast Guard has actively coordinated and engaged in international cooperation with maritime enforcement agencies of neighbouring countries, including Thailand and Malaysia, in an effort to combat IUU fishing. Furthermore, the country is also taking part in the ASEAN Roadmap for Combating IUU Fishing for 2020 - 2025.

Strong commitment

The government of Vietnam has directed relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to urgently address shortcomings in vessel management, handle violations related to VMS disconnections, and illegal fishing in foreign waters. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has warned that if this issue is not resolved promptly, not only will the ‘yellow card’ not be removed, but Vietnam may also receive a ‘red card.’

Vietnam commits to implementing comprehensive and decisive solutions to eliminate IUU fishing, including improving laws and policies on vessel management and fisheries exploitation. It strengthens inspections, supervision, and violation handling, and raises awareness and responsibility among fishing communities in complying with fisheries regulations; while enhancing international cooperation in combating IUU fishing.

Removing the IUU ‘yellow card’ will not only restore Vietnam’s seafood export rights to the European market but also contribute to sustainable fisheries resource protection and elevate the reputation of Vietnam’s fisheries sector internationally.

Drastic measures taken to curb IUU fishing in southwestern waters

The High Command of Coast Guard Region 4 and border guards in the southernmost province of Ca Mau has been taking drastic measures to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly violations relating to vessel monitoring systems (VMS).