vi-VNen-US

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

DIRECTORATE OF FISHERIES

Combating IUU fishing: Strengthening capacity for Administrative sanctions29-06-2025

To effectively and substantively combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing while decisively addressing the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” recommendations, Vietnam has placed significant emphasis on handling administrative violations in recent times. As a result, the number of fishing vessels violating IUU regulations - particularly those encroaching on foreign waters, crossing permitted maritime boundaries, or losing Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) connectivity - has significantly decreased compared to the same period in 2024. To further enhance the effectiveness and enforcement of laws against IUU fishing, on June 25, 2025, the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance held a working session with the Department of Legal Document Review and Administrative Violation Management (under the Ministry of Justice). The session was co-chaired by Mr. Tran Dinh Luân, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance, and Mr. Ho Quang Huy, Director of the Department of Legal document review and Administrative violation management, with the participation of key leaders and officials from both agencies. The two sides exchanged updates on the situation and work plans related to the enforcement of laws against IUU fishing at the local level and agreed on coordinated efforts to inspect and guide local authorities and law enforcement agencies in the coming period.

Vietnam Fisheries and Surveillance sector joins forces to combat human trafficking19-06-2025

On June 15, 2025, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Decision No. 1137/QĐ-TTg, unveiling a comprehensive plan to observe “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” and “National Day Against Human Trafficking” on July 30, 2025. The initiative carries the theme “Human Trafficking is an Organized Crime – End Exploitation.” Following this, on June 16, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment released Decision No. 2161/QĐ-BNNMT, outlining the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 313/QĐ-TTg, which focuses on enforcing the 2024 Law on Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking.

Vietnam launches pilot program for electronic fishing, purchase, and transshipment logbooks on fishing vessels19-06-2025

In a significant move to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and address the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” warning, Vietnam has officially initiated a pilot program to implement electronic logbooks for fishing, purchase, and transshipment activities on fishing vessels. This advanced system is designed not only to modernize fisheries management but also to enhance transparency, facilitate traceability of seafood origins, and support both fishermen and regulatory authorities in ensuring compliance with international standards.

Comprehensive strategies to elevate aquaculture efficiency in the Red River Delta05-05-2025

On April 25, 2025, in Hai Duong City, the National Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Surveilance and the Hai Duong Province Department of Agriculture and Environment, convened a pivotal symposium titled “Solutions to enhance aquaculture efficiency in the Red River Delta (RRD).” This significant gathering attracted a diverse array of participants, including industry experts, policymakers, business representatives, cooperative leaders, and local aquaculture farmers. The primary objective of the symposium was to deliberate on integrated, actionable strategies to address prevailing challenges, foster sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, boost productivity, elevate product quality, and secure sustainable livelihoods for communities across the RRD.

Enhancing production output and export value for the development of tilapia industry18-04-2025

On April 17, 2025, in Cần Thơ, the Department of Fisheries and Suveilance (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) collaborated with the Cần Thơ City Department of Agriculture and Environment to organize a seminar titled "Solutions for Organizing Production and Export of Tilapia in 2025." The event was co-chaired by Mr. Trần Đình Luân, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Suveilance, Mr. Nguyễn Tấn Nhơn, Deputy Director of the Cần Thơ Department of Agriculture and Environment, and Mr. Nguyễn Hoài Nam, General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development inspects efforts to combat IUU fishing in Phu Yen province01-03-2025

On the afternoon of February 26, 2025, a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), led by Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien who also serves as the Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing conducted a crucial working session in Phu Yen Province. The visit aimed to comprehensively evaluate the province's implementation of anti IUU fishing measures and to provide direct guidance on addressing existing shortcomings. This effort aligns with Vietnam’s overarching national goal of having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports lifted by the end of 2025.

The Department of Fisheries strengthening collective power - unity - consensus21-02-2025

The Department of Fisheries is a strong and united organization, emphasizing the collective power of its officials, civil servants, and employees. Currently, the Department of Fisheries consists of 200 individuals, with 169 active trade union members in Hanoi. These members consistently fulfill their duties with dedication, demonstrating flexibility, creativity, and expertise to adapt to the unique challenges of their working environment. Through continuous efforts, they contribute significantly to the overall success and development of the fisheries sector.

Vietnam’s shrimp industry seizes opportunities, transforms challenges into growth momentum14-02-2025

In midFebruary 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Bac Lieu Province, organized the "Development of the Brackish Water Shrimp Industry in 2025" conference. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien and Vice Chairman of Bac Lieu Provincial People's Committee Ngo Vu Thang co-chaired the event.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha visits Quang Ninh to guide sustainable aquaculture development08-02-2025

Quang Ninh, February 7, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha conducted a working visit to Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, to assess the current state of aquaculture, engage with businesses, cooperatives, and local fishermen, and propose sustainable development solutions for the industry. Accompanying him were Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Lê Minh Hoan, leaders of central ministries and agencies, and Chairman of the Quang Ninh People’s Committee, Phạm Đức Ấn.

The key role of community agricultural extension in developing modern agriculture07-02-2025

Agricultural extension services play a crucial role in modernizing agriculture by bridging the gap between farmers, cooperatives, businesses, and policymakers. Over the past two years, the pilot project “Improving the effectiveness of agricultural extension activities on the basis of strengthening the community agricultural extension organization model” has demonstrated significant success. Community agricultural extension groups have been established and expanded across various regions, contributing positively to agricultural and rural development. These groups have gained strong support from local governments, enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers, making them an essential element in agricultural progress.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development encourages Quang Ninh fishermen on lunar new year03-02-2025

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025 (Year of the Snake), Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Phung Duc Tien, General Director of the Departmen of Fisheries Tran Dinh Luan, along with Quang Ninh authorities and local organizations, engaged in meaningful activities to support and encourage fishermen and the fisheries surveillance forces. At the same time, efforts to restore aquaculture following the devastation of Typhoon No. 3 are being accelerated, helping local people regain confidence in a hopeful new year.

The Department of Fisheries collaborates with IMCS Network in the fight against IUU fishing26-11-2024

On November 25, 2024, the Department of Fisheries of Vietnam held an online meeting with the International Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Network (IMCS Network). This meeting was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen international cooperation to enhance the management of fishing vessels and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The meeting also included the participation of various domestic and international organizations, such as Can Tho University, VTC Corporation under VNPT Group, and experts from Canada.

Sustainable shrimp industry through circular economy23-11-2024

On November 22nd, 2024, the seminar "Kickoff of the i4Ag Project and Consultation on innovation in Vietnam's shrimp industry towards promoting a circular economy" was held in Can Tho City. The event was organized by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

Protecting the environment means safeguarding the image of aquaculture, tourism and socioeconomic activities20-11-2024

On 20th November 2024, in Hanoi, the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), hosted the “Environmental Protection in the Fisheries Sector 2024” conference. This event provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the achievements of the 911 Project and discuss its implementation in the coming years. Attendees included representatives from government agencies, international organizations, fisheries enterprises, and environmental protection experts.

Training on industrial marine farming and capacity building for cooperative leaders17-11-2024

On November 12, 2024, in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, the Institute for Aquaculture under Nha Trang University launched an intensive training program on industrial marine farming and cooperative management for nearly 200 participants from various provinces. This initiative provides cutting-edge knowledge to support cooperatives and fishermen in developing sustainable marine farming models.

Department of Fisheries appoints two new Deputy Directors01-11-2024

On October 28, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) held an official ceremony to announce the appointment of Mr. Pham Quang Toan and Mr. Vu Duyen Hai as Deputy Directors of the Department of Fisheries, each serving a five-year term.

Digital transformation in fisheries management in Thai Binh01-11-2024

In recent years, Thai Thuy District, Thai Binh Province, has been at the forefront of digital transformation in fisheries management and exploitation. Through the application of modern technology, the district has not only improved the livelihoods of local fishermen but also made significant contributions to the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This proactive approach has boosted fisheries output and enhanced compliance with national and international regulations, positioning Thai Thuy as a model for sustainable fisheries management.

Efforts by the Command of the Vietnam Coast Guard and Fisheries Surveillance Department to lift the EU’s Yellow Card23-10-2024

On October 22, in Hanoi, the Command of the Vietnam Coast Guard, in collaboration with the Fisheries Surveillance Department, organized a conference to exchange information on the results of joint efforts and strategies in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. This event was part of a broader national initiative aimed at meeting the European Union’s (EU) requirements, improving Vietnam’s fishing industry practices, and significantly reducing illegal fishing activities in Vietnamese waters.

Vietnam pushes to complete registration and licensing of “three-no” fishing vessels by October19-10-2024

Across Vietnam's coastal provinces, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure that all "three-no" fishing vessels (unregistered, unlicensed, and uninspected vessels) are fully registered and licensed by the end of October 2024.

Technological transformation in vietnam's frozen shrimp processing industry: paving the way for a zero-emission future19-10-2024

The frozen shrimp processing industry in Vietnam is undergoing a crucial transformation as it works toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions. This initiative is not only vital for addressing environmental concerns but also aligns with global trends of sustainable production and energy efficiency. However, this shift comes with significant challenges, particularly in terms of cost, infrastructure development, and energy management. The industry’s efforts in embracing new technologies and sustainable practices will be key to ensuring a more environmentally friendly and resilient future.

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