Phu Yen, a key coastal province in the South Central region of Vietnam, plays an indispensable role in the country’s broader strategy for marine economic development and the sustainable conservation of aquatic resources. During the visit, the working session took place at the headquarters of the Phu Yen Provincial Party Committee, where Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien and his delegation met with the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of tasks related to combating IUU fishing within the province. This event occurred against the backdrop of Vietnam’s concerted efforts to address and finalize the EC’s recommendations in preparation for the fifth inspection round, anticipated to take place in May or June 2025. The participation of provincial leaders and relevant functional agencies underscored not only Phu Yen’s determination but also Vietnam’s collective commitment to fostering a sustainable fisheries sector.
Progress and challenges in Phu Yen’s anti IUU fishing efforts
During the working session, Phu Yen’s provincial leadership presented a comprehensive report highlighting notable achievements in the province’s fight against IUU fishing. Authorities have enforced stringent controls, ensuring that 100% of fishing vessels are monitored upon departure and return to ports. Additionally, rigorous supervision of seafood landings at designated fishing ports has been maintained. Between October 2023 and February 24, 2025, Phu Yen sanctioned 95 violations, imposing fines exceeding 940 million VND (Vietnamese Dong). The infractions included unregistered fishing vessels, captains operating without proper certification, and crew members not being listed in official registries. Notably, since 2019, no fishing vessels from Phu Yen have been detected engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters - an achievement that sets the province apart from other localities still struggling with similar issues.
Despite these commendable results, the MARD delegation identified several persistent challenges requiring immediate attention. In some areas, the processes of registration, inspection, and licensing of fishing vessels remain incomplete. Additionally, fisheries data has not been consistently updated in the national database, and monitoring of seafood landings at ports has, at times, been inadequate, lacking transparency and precision. If these issues are not thoroughly addressed, they could jeopardize Vietnam’s nationwide efforts to meet EC requirements and lift the “yellow card.”
Strategic directives from Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien
Speaking at the working session, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the need for Phu Yen to take a leading role in Vietnam’s anti IUU fishing campaign while tackling existing limitations. He urged the Provincial Party Committee to enhance leadership and accountability, ensuring that organizations and individuals failing to fulfill their responsibilities or those complicit in IUU fishing face strict consequences. “This is not just Phu Yen’s task; it is a national responsibility to safeguard Vietnam’s reputation and promote the sustainable development of our fisheries sector,” he stressed.
To strengthen anti IUU fishing measures, Deputy Minister Tien outlined several concrete solutions for Phu Yen. First, he instructed local authorities to expedite the completion of vessel registration, inspection, and licensing, ensuring all relevant data is accurately recorded in the National Fisheries Database System (VNFishbase). He also emphasized the need for stricter oversight of fishing vessels at ports, including meticulous monitoring of seafood unloading to guarantee traceability. Furthermore, he insisted that even minor violations be addressed decisively to heighten awareness and deter future infractions.
A key aspect of his directives was the accelerated adoption of modern technology, particularly the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDT). “Technology is crucial for ensuring transparency in fisheries management. We cannot rely solely on administrative measures; we must leverage advanced tools to enhance oversight and efficiency,” Deputy Minister Tien affirmed.
On site inspections at Phu Yen’s fishing ports
Prior to the meeting with provincial leaders, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien and his delegation conducted direct inspections at designated fishing ports across Phu Yen. They commended local agencies for their diligent efforts in controlling vessel movements, maintaining exploitation logbooks, and enforcing IUU fishing regulations. However, some ports exhibited deficiencies, such as inconsistent seafood landing records and a lack of synchronization with the national database. These shortcomings were flagged as urgent issues requiring immediate corrective measures.
The Deputy Minister’s visit to Phu Yen is a crucial part of Vietnam’s comprehensive strategy to meet EC requirements. More than seven years have passed since the EC issued its “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood in October 2017. In response, the government has introduced a series of stringent measures, including the implementation of the 2017 Fisheries Law, regulatory amendments, and strict enforcement mechanisms. These efforts highlight Vietnam’s unwavering determination to build a responsible and sustainable fisheries industry.
However, as Deputy Minister Tien has repeatedly emphasized, the effectiveness of these national efforts ultimately hinges on the commitment of coastal provinces like Phu Yen. If localities fail to uniformly enforce anti IUU measures, the collective progress of the entire country could be compromised. This working visit thus served not only as an evaluation but also as an opportunity for Phu Yen to reaffirm its critical role in the national agenda.
At the conclusion of the working session, Phu Yen’s provincial leaders pledged to swiftly act on Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien’s directives. Mr. Ta Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, announced that the province would develop a comprehensive action plan to rectify existing shortcomings. This plan includes enhanced coordination with functional forces such as the Border Guard, Coast Guard, and Fisheries Control Agency to strengthen monitoring of fishing activities. Additionally, Phu Yen will intensify public awareness campaigns to educate fishermen about the significance of complying with anti IUU regulations, fostering greater community engagement and support.
With a clear roadmap and resolute determination, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien’s visit to Phu Yen is expected to provide a strong impetus for the province to further refine its anti IUU fishing measures. This visit not only represents a key milestone in Phu Yen’s efforts but also underscores Vietnam’s unified resolve to lift the EC’s “yellow card,” establish a sustainable fisheries sector, and elevate the country’s position in the global seafood industry.
Hai Dang