Soc Trang have also enhanced the Anti-IUU Office’s structure to improve monitoring of fishing vessels' entry and exit at ports, as well as the volume of goods passing through these points. Soc Trang’s effort exemplifies the national drive to address sustainable fishery practices while working towards removing the European Commission's "yellow card" warning on seafood exports.
For years, the “yellow card” warning has had significant implications, as restrictions on fishing grounds have led to decreased seafood production, impacting fishermen’s livelihoods. Despite considerable efforts, challenges in lifting the warning persist after seven years. The continued presence of this “yellow card” has placed a financial burden on countless fishermen and has hindered Soc Trang’s export potential, as the warning serves as a reminder of unresolved issues in the local fishing industry.
In this context, Directive No. 32-CT/TW issued by the Party Central Secretariat has provided a critical mandate, calling for heightened Party leadership in combating IUU fishing and fostering a sustainable, modern fishery sector. This directive, currently the highest level of guidance on anti-IUU efforts, aims to promote coordinated efforts across provincial, regional, and national levels to build compliance and sustainability in Vietnam’s fisheries sector.
To translate Directive No. 32-CT/TW into action, on July 17, 2024, the Soc Trang Provincial Party Committee issued Action Program No. 56-Ctr/TU. This program outlines the roles and responsibilities of provincial departments, agencies, and officials, emphasizing the need for cohesive management of fishery resources. Shortly after, on August 20, 2024, the Soc Trang People's Committee launched Implementation Plan No. 134/KH-UBND, detailing the responsibilities of each agency in tackling IUU fishing and contributing to the removal of the yellow card.
 |
As the primary agency for managing fishing activities, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, together with the Fisheries Sub-Department and the Trần Đề Port Management Board, has driven widespread awareness of the 2017 Fisheries Law and relevant regulations. They have also reinforced the Anti-IUU Office to monitor vessels’ compliance with entry/exit procedures and maintain accurate records of fishery product volumes. The Anti-IUU Office has been tasked with ensuring that fishing vessels adhere to logbook requirements and that all tracking devices on vessels remain functional, covering both authorized fishing grounds and offshore areas where regulations must be observed.
Further actions include organizing direct consultations with coastal communities to help fishermen overcome regulatory challenges and address their specific needs, fostering a culture of lawful, sustainable fishing practices.
In addition to direct engagement with fishermen, Soc Trang has broadened public awareness efforts. Authorities leverage media platforms, leaflets, and posters, while also collaborating with the provincial People’s Court to conduct mock trials addressing IUU violations. These public events educate both the fishing community and broader society about the importance of lawful practices in seafood harvesting. The province has strengthened the registration and inspection process, requiring all vessels to complete formalities with the Anti-IUU Taskforce and local Border Guard stations, reinforcing accountability and minimizing illicit fishing practices.
 |
For several consecutive years, Soc Trang has maintained a record of no illegal fishing violations in foreign waters. The provincial fishing fleet, currently consisting of 774 boats, includes 345 vessels measuring over 15 meters in length. Concentrated in Trần Đề District, this fleet annually yields over 51,000 tons of seafood. Following Directive No. 32-CT/TW, the Trần Đề District Party Committee implemented Action Plan No. 116-KH/HU, effective August 29, 2024. This plan emphasizes specific roles and actions for each agency in complying with the directive and enhances local efforts to end IUU fishing through diverse outreach initiatives across mass media, social platforms like Zalo and Facebook, and public training events aimed at the fishing communities.
Soc Trang’s initiatives have led to 100% of vessels over 15 meters now equipped with tracking devices, with all operational logs and reports consistently submitted to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, vessels comply with Anti-IUU Taskforce and Border Guard protocols upon port entry and exit. Any technical issues affecting monitoring equipment have been addressed, with vessels promptly reporting offshore locations to the Fisheries Bureau every six hours in the event of connectivity issues.
Beyond resolving regulatory challenges, Soc Trang’s pursuit of removing the EU’s yellow card warning aligns with the province’s ambitions for a sustainable and modern fishery industry. Through initiatives like these, Soc Trang aims to enhance the resilience of its 72-kilometer coastline, which is crucial for the local economy. By committing to sustainable fishery practices and international compliance, the province reinforces its role in Vietnam’s national seafood export sector and sets an example for coastal governance.
Moving forward, Soc Trang’s efforts in fishery management will follow Directive No. 32-CT/TW with strict monitoring of fishing vessels, enforcing regulations, and promoting responsible practices. The province will continue highlighting exemplary organizations and individuals while implementing disciplinary measures to uphold standards. All stakeholders, including Party committees, local governments, and fishermen, are encouraged to join in these efforts.
This commitment is expected to yield significant benefits for Soc Trang, from the removal of the yellow card warning to the sustainable growth of the local fishery sector. By maintaining stringent regulatory measures, Soc Trang has positioned itself as a leader in promoting sustainable fishery practices, ensuring the livelihoods of coastal communities while aligning with Vietnam’s broader economic and environmental goals.
Ngoc Thuy (Hai Dang translated)