The EC's yellow card has been in effect since October 2017, due to Vietnam's failure to fully comply with the EC's regulations on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Since the imposition of the yellow card, Vietnam's seafood industry has faced significant challenges in exporting to the European Union (EU) market. Exporting companies have had to endure stringent inspections, increased costs, and prolonged export times. This situation has not only directly affected the revenues of these companies but also negatively impacted the livelihoods of fishermen.
In Kiên Giang, a coastal province whose economy heavily relies on seafood, the EC's yellow card has significantly reduced export volumes, affecting the incomes of thousands of fishermen and workers in the industry. According to the Sub-department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) of Kiên Giang, the province's seafood export volume to the EU has decreased by 30% compared to before the yellow card was imposed. This necessitates timely and effective actions from Kiên Giang to remove the yellow card and protect the interests of its residents and businesses.
The workshop delved into several key content areas. During the discussions, delegates focused on various solutions to remove the EC's yellow card. These included strengthening the management and supervision of seafood exploitation, improving the legal framework and management mechanisms, enhancing international cooperation, and developing a sustainable marine economy. One of the primary measures discussed was the construction of an effective fishing vessel monitoring system to ensure all fishing vessels are equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS). There was an emphasis on increasing inspections and controls at fishing ports and at sea to promptly detect and address illegal fishing activities. Additionally, training and raising awareness among fishermen about IUU regulations and the importance of complying with these regulations were highlighted as essential steps.
Another significant topic of discussion was the need to amend and supplement legal provisions on seafood exploitation management to align with international standards and EC requirements. Establishing a coordination mechanism between state management agencies and businesses in monitoring and managing seafood exploitation was also considered crucial. The delegates underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation with international organizations and countries in the region to share information, experiences, and technologies in seafood exploitation management. Participating in international forums on combating IUU fishing was seen as a way to elevate Vietnam's prestige and position globally.
The workshop also highlighted the need for promoting research and the application of new technologies in aquaculture and seafood exploitation to improve productivity and product quality. Developing other marine economic sectors such as tourism and services was seen as a means to reduce pressure on seafood exploitation and create additional income sources for residents.
During the discussion session, many specific proposals were made to enhance the effectiveness of these solutions. Mr. Lê Hữu Toàn, Director of Kiên Giang DARD, proposed implementing a community management model in seafood exploitation, where fishermen directly participate in the process of supervising and managing aquatic resources. This model has been successfully applied in many countries and can help strengthen the connection between residents and management agencies. Representatives of seafood export businesses also emphasized the importance of ensuring product quality and complying with food safety regulations. They proposed increasing quality inspections at seafood production and processing facilities and enhancing the inspection and supervision capacity of relevant authorities.
Additionally, delegates highlighted the role of propaganda and education in raising fishermen's awareness about IUU regulations and the consequences of illegal fishing. They proposed organizing propaganda programs in coastal localities through various forms such as workshops, training sessions, and leaflet distribution.
The workshop also recognized the crucial role of international and non-governmental organizations in assisting Kiên Giang in removing the EC's yellow card. Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) shared experiences from other countries in the region and proposed technical and financial support measures for Kiên Giang. FAO suggested specific cooperative projects such as building a fishing vessel monitoring and management system by providing VMS equipment and technical training for fishermen. Another proposed project involved enhancing inspection and supervision capacity at fishing ports by supplying inspection equipment and training staff. FAO also proposed developing sustainable aquaculture models by providing technical and financial support for aquaculture households, especially those applying new, environmentally friendly technologies.
At the workshop, Kiên Giang provincial leaders affirmed the province's commitment to removing the EC's yellow card and promoting sustainable marine economic development. Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn, Vice Chairman of the Kiên Giang Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that the province would mobilize all resources and engage the participation of the entire society to achieve this goal.
Kiên Giang has outlined an action plan with several key points. Enhancing state management capacity in seafood exploitation was a primary focus. This includes establishing a provincial steering committee on combating IUU fishing, chaired by the Provincial People's Committee Chairman, and increasing human resources and equipment for relevant agencies such as the Fisheries Sub-department and fishing port management boards. Intensifying legal education and propaganda for fishermen was another crucial part of the plan. This involves organizing propaganda and training sessions on IUU regulations and related legal provisions, as well as launching the "Fishermen Say No to IUU Fishing" movement in coastal localities.
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Photo 2: Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Nhàn, Vice Chairman of the Kiên Giang Provincial People's Committee, concludes the workshop.
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Strengthening supervision, inspection, and violation handling was also emphasized. Implementing comprehensive supervision and inspection measures at fishing ports and at sea, and strictly handling violations of seafood exploitation regulations, were seen as essential steps. Developing sustainable marine economic models and supporting fishermen to transition to sustainable marine economic sectors such as aquaculture and marine tourism were also prioritized. Encouraging businesses to invest in high-tech, environmentally friendly aquaculture projects was seen as a way to promote sustainable development.
The workshop "Kiên Giang collaborates to lift EC's yellow card by promoting sustainable marine economic development " brought forward many practical suggestions and solutions to help Kiên Giang remove the EC's yellow card and protect the interests of fishermen and businesses. Addressing the EC's yellow card is a significant challenge for Kiên Giang, but it is also an opportunity for the province to enhance management capacity, protect aquatic resources, and promote sustainable marine economic development. Thanks to relentless efforts, Kiên Giang has achieved many positive results, contributing to enhancing the prestige of Vietnam's seafood industry in the international market. In the coming time, the province needs to continue to intensify measures to remove the yellow card and develop a sustainable marine economy while enhancing international cooperation to achieve better results.
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