Since 2017, the EC has imposed a "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood as a stern warning about IUU fishing activities. This has directly impacted the fisheries sector, particularly in terms of exports to the EU, a key market for Vietnam. The continued existence of the "yellow card" has not only resulted in economic losses but also tarnished the reputation of Vietnam's fisheries industry on the global stage.
Despite achieving several positive outcomes in fleet management and monitoring fishing activities, violations persist. Some Vietnamese fishing vessels have been caught illegally operating in foreign waters, increasing the risk of an upgrade to a "red card," which would have even more severe consequences for the industry. This issue was highlighted in the report presented by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien at the conference, where he pointed out that several fishing vessels continue to disconnect from the vessel monitoring system (VMS) or move to border areas to evade control.
Over the past years, efforts to combat IUU fishing in various localities have faced numerous challenges. Some fishing vessels remain unregistered, uninspected, and unlicensed, posing significant difficulties in management and monitoring.
Challenges and efforts of localities in combating IUU fishing
Ca Mau province, one of the regions with the highest number of fishing vessels in the country, has made considerable efforts in combating IUU fishing but still faces significant challenges. Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Mr. Le Van Su, shared at the conference that the situation of fishing vessels violating foreign waters persists, particularly as fishermen disconnect the VMS when operating in offshore areas. He emphasized that this phenomenon not only severely hinders local authorities' management efforts but also obstructs progress in removing the EC's "yellow card."
Ca Mau has implemented various measures to address the issue, but surveillance and sanctions remain insufficient to completely prevent violations. Mr. Su suggested that the quality of the monitoring system should be enhanced and stricter penalties should be imposed, while ensuring that all fishing vessels must comply with regulations on fisheries exploitation.
Not only Ca Mau, but other coastal provinces such as Kien Giang, Binh Dinh, and Bac Lieu are also facing many challenges in managing their fishing fleets. These localities proposed close coordination between central and local authorities to strengthen monitoring and handling of violations. They also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among fishermen about the significance of complying with regulations in fisheries exploitation.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha: Decisive action to remove the "Yellow card"
In his directive speech at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stressed that Vietnam's ultimate goal is not only to remove the EC's "yellow card" but also to build a sustainable fisheries sector that ensures the livelihoods of fishermen and protects the nation's marine resources. He emphasized that to achieve this goal, localities must focus on specific actions. All fishing vessels must be registered, inspected, and licensed in accordance with regulations. Vessels that are unregistered, unlicensed, and not equipped with vessel monitoring systems will be strictly penalized.
The Deputy Prime Minister proposed that investments should be made to upgrade the monitoring system to ensure that all fishing vessels comply with the rules. These systems should be equipped with features that issue warnings when vessels cross national maritime boundaries, enabling authorities to intervene promptly and prevent violations. He also demanded that localities impose strict penalties on fishing vessels that deliberately violate regulations, especially those that disconnect the VMS. Penalties must be strong enough to deter and minimize violations.
Strengthening awareness campaigns and raising fishermen’s consciousness
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Photo 2: Mr. Vu Duyen Hai from the Department of Fisheries speaking at the conference
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At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha also emphasized that one of the crucial factors for the success in combating IUU fishing is raising awareness among fishermen. To ensure that fishermen understand the importance of adhering to regulations, the propaganda and awareness campaigns need to be intensified.
On October 16, 2024, the Deputy Prime Minister personally visited Song Doc Fishing Port in Ca Mau to meet and engage in dialogue with fishermen. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister listened to the difficulties faced by fishermen, particularly the challenges of complying with regulations when operating in offshore areas. He affirmed that the government is always with and supports fishermen in transitioning to legal and sustainable fishing practices.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha also encouraged fishermen to participate in the restructuring of the fisheries sector, from improving fishing technology to adopting sustainable aquaculture models. This not only helps protect marine resources but also ensures a stable income for fishermen in the future.
The conference in Ca Mau demonstrated the government's strong determination to combat IUU fishing while laying out a clear action plan for localities. The Deputy Prime Minister requested that all localities focus on thoroughly addressing violations, particularly with regards to "three no" fishing vessels (unregistered, uninspected, unlicensed). This task must be completed by 2024 to avoid the risk of being upgraded to the EC’s "red card."
To achieve this goal, localities must also closely coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in monitoring, inspecting, and handling violations. The propaganda and awareness campaigns for fishermen must also be enhanced to create consensus and support from the fishing community in complying with regulations.
In the coming time, if Vietnam can effectively address the remaining issues, the removal of the EC’s "yellow card" will be feasible, opening up significant opportunities for the fisheries sector to continue growing and integrating deeply into international markets. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha affirmed that with the determination and efforts from the government, localities, and fishermen, Vietnam can fully achieve this goal.
Hai Dang