This initiative is a crucial step in responding to recommendations from the European Commission (EC) regarding the fight against IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, a key threat to sustainable fisheries management in Vietnam and globally. The Vietnamese government has mobilized all relevant agencies to support fishermen in complying with these regulations, with the clear goal of finalizing the process for vessels under 12 meters in length within the set deadline.
The term "three-no" refers to fishing boats that operate without proper legal documentation, posing serious risks to national and international efforts to manage marine resources responsibly. These vessels are more prone to engage in unsustainable or illegal fishing practices, creating long-term risks for fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and the livelihood of local communities that depend on legal, regulated fishing activities. In response, a nationwide drive is now underway, in which each coastal province is tasked with taking swift action to ensure that every "three-no" vessel is brought into compliance before the year ends.
The push to bring "three-no" vessels into compliance is being spearheaded through the implementation of Circular 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on May 6, 2024. This circular amends key provisions of Circular 23/2018/TT-BNNPTNT, setting out updated requirements for the registration and inspection of fishing vessels, including those related to safety standards and vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Additionally, the circular outlines the procedures for deregistration and marking of fishing boats that do not meet the new safety and operational standards.
Across the nation, local authorities have launched a concerted effort to meet these new requirements, focusing on the most urgent task of registering and licensing the remaining "three-no" fishing vessels. This endeavor includes an aggressive timeline for full compliance by December 31, 2024, but the initial focus is on completing the bulk of registrations by the end of October.
To accelerate this process, local governments have been mobilizing resources at all levels. From Hai Phong in the north to Binh Thuan in the south, efforts are underway to assist boat owners in completing their registration and receiving their fishing licenses. This is seen as a critical step in safeguarding the country’s marine resources while also meeting international obligations, particularly in light of Vietnam’s commitment to addressing the “yellow card” warning from the EC regarding IUU fishing.
Hai Phong: Leading by example
Hai Phong is one of the leading provinces in this nationwide effort, having successfully registered all of its "three-no" fishing vessels. With 927 vessels over 6 meters in length now fully documented and updated on the VnFishbase system, the city has set an example of how local authorities can coordinate effectively with fishermen to bring vessels into compliance. Notably, Hai Phong has also made significant strides in ensuring vessel monitoring system (VMS) installations. By September 20, 2024, 99.68% of fishing boats in the province had VMS units installed, with just one vessel awaiting completion of the necessary procedures.
This success follows a series of directives, including the Government’s Resolution 52/NQ-CP and Prime Minister’s Decision 127/KH-UBND, which outline a national plan to combat IUU fishing. These measures align with Directive 32-CT/TW issued by the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee in April 2024, calling for strengthened leadership and coordination in fisheries management. The city has also adhered closely to Circular 06, ensuring that its approach is fully compliant with national legislation.
Binh Thuan: A challenge of scale
Further south, Binh Thuan province has a more substantial task at hand, with a total of 2,531 "three-no" fishing vessels operating in province’s waters. As of mid-October 2024, the provincial Sub-Department of Fisheries reported that 2,309 of these vessels had completed the registration process, leaving 222 vessels still in need of documentation. Of these, 2,212 vessels fall into the category of boats between 6 and 12 meters in length, with most having already submitted their paperwork.
The remaining unregistered vessels are concentrated in specific districts, such as Tuy Phong (30 vessels), Phan Thiet (21 vessels), and La Gi (22 vessels). The provincial Sub-Department of Fisheries and local authorities have pledged to complete the registration process for all remaining boats by the end of October. Officials, including Mr. Huynh Quang Huy, Head of the Sub-Department of Fisheries, have reaffirmed their commitment to meeting this deadline, acknowledging that Binh Thuan’s large fishing fleet poses a significant challenge but also represents an essential part of Vietnam’s fight against IUU fishing.
Ha Tinh: Rapid progress after a slow start
In Ha Tinh province, efforts to register over 2,100 "three-no" fishing vessels have gained momentum after a slow start earlier in the year. Following a thorough review in August 2024, the provincial government published a list of fishing boats that were eligible for registration under Circular 06. This list included vessels that had been newly built, modified, or transferred before the circular came into effect on May 6, 2024. The registration of these vessels is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding fishermen’s legal rights, clarifying ownership, and preventing disputes over maritime assets.
Ha Tinh has since accelerated its registration efforts, with local authorities working closely with coastal districts to expedite the process. The province aims to have all remaining boats registered by the end of October. The registration of "three-no" fishing vessels not only protects the legal rights of fishermen but also forms the basis for better management of fisheries resources, aligning with the broader national strategy for IUU prevention.
Quang Nam: Tighter control and border patrols
Quang Nam province has similarly focused on completing the registration and licensing of its "three-no" fishing vessels, with 1,574 vessels identified as being in need of documentation. Local authorities have prioritized registration, particularly in the five key districts of Nui Thanh, Dien Ban, Duy Xuyen, Hoi An, and Thang Binh.
To enhance oversight and enforcement, the Quang Nam Border Guard has tightened inspections at coastal checkpoints, ensuring that unregistered vessels are not allowed to leave port. Vessels that fail to meet the necessary standards are being directed back to shore, where their owners are provided with guidance on how to complete the registration process. In addition to these enforcement measures, the province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has deployed teams of inspectors to fishing communities to provide on-the-spot assistance and facilitate compliance with Circular 06.
As the October deadline approaches, local authorities are mindful of the consequences for boat owners who fail to register their vessels in time. According to Circular 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT, the window for submitting registration applications for "three-no" vessels will close on December 31, 2024. After this date, even vessels that meet the necessary conditions will not be eligible for registration, and their owners will face fines and other penalties for non-compliance.
This makes the current registration drive the final opportunity for fishing boat owners to ensure their vessels are legally compliant. Those who fail to do so risk losing the legal protections afforded to registered vessels, including the right to fish in Vietnamese waters and access to state-sponsored support for their operations.
Looking ahead: A sustainable future for Vietnam’s fisheries
The ongoing efforts to register and license "three-no" fishing vessels represent a critical turning point in Vietnam’s broader strategy to combat IUU fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management. By bringing all vessels under a unified regulatory framework, the government hopes to eliminate the loopholes that have allowed illegal fishing to persist and ensure that Vietnam’s marine resources are managed in a way that benefits future generations.
The success of this campaign will also have significant implications for Vietnam’s international standing. By addressing the EC’s concerns about IUU fishing, the country aims to lift the “yellow card” that has been imposed on its seafood exports since 2017, which has affected access to key markets in Europe. More importantly, these efforts signal Vietnam’s commitment to global environmental standards and the sustainable development of its fisheries sector, which remains a vital part of the national economy.
As the clock ticks down toward the December deadline, Vietnam’s coastal provinces are moving quickly to ensure that all "three-no" fishing vessels are registered, licensed, and equipped with the necessary safety and tracking devices. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the country can meet its ambitious goals for October and, ultimately, secure a sustainable future for its fisheries industry.
Hai Dang