Since 2017, when the EU issued a "yellow card" warning to Vietnamese seafood products due to concerns over IUU fishing, the fisheries sector has faced multiple challenges, particularly in the export market. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the yellow card has mandated stricter inspection protocols for Vietnamese seafood before they can be exported to EU markets, resulting in higher costs and longer processing times for the industry. Other international markets have followed suit, increasing scrutiny regarding the origins and methods of fishery harvests, thus exerting pressure across the Vietnamese seafood sector.
Currently, Vietnam has over 80,000 fishing vessels in operation, the majority of which are nearshore vessels that are more susceptible to IUU fishing violations. In response, the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Fisheries Surveillance Department have launched numerous measures to enhance supervision, inspection, and the enforcement of penalties for IUU infractions. However, challenges persist, including the vast expanse of the maritime area and the limited availability of modern surveillance technologies and resources.
Coordinated activities between the Vietnam Coast Guard Command and Fisheries Surveillance Department
Based on a report on the anti-IUU activities from the Command Staff of the Vietnam Coast Guard, from early 2024, the Vietnam Coast Guard has launched several peak campaigns, including four separate missions with 60 patrol vessel operations across key maritime areas. These concentrated efforts have resulted in the detection and resolution of hundreds of infractions. Specifically, they have checked and fined 483 cases involving 569 fishing vessels, with total penalties nearing 11 billion VND.
To ensure effective collaboration, a unified command center comprising the Coast Guard, Navy, and Border Defense Forces has been established to strictly maintain operational control and coordinate closely with local authorities in handling instances of IUU fishing. This arrangement allows for swift response to situations involving fishing vessels that violate IUU regulations, with directives in place for agencies and units to work in unison with other forces and local governments to investigate, validate, and address infractions.
In addition, the Vietnam Coast Guard has invested in more advanced equipment and surveillance technology, including a comprehensive marine camera monitoring system to oversee fishing activities. Notably, in early 2024, functional forces have intensified random inspections at fishing ports nationwide to ensure fishermen comply with regulations regarding fishing permits, logbooks, and monitoring devices.
Significant results in combattingIUU fishing
As reported by MARD, by October 2024, thousands of fishing vessels with violations have been handled. Certain provinces, such as Kien Giang and Ca Mau, have seen a 30-40% reduction in violations compared to the previous year, largely due to stringent control measures.
Of particular note, serious violations have been promptly detected and addressed. The Coast Guard has cooperated with local authorities and international organizations to investigate and curb illegal fishing activities, ensuring adherence to international regulations for marine resource conservation and ecosystem protection.
Strengthening community awareness and education among fishermen
Beyond enforcement, community education and awareness initiatives play a critical role in preventing IUU fishing. Authorities have organized numerous seminars and informational sessions in coastal provinces to enhance fishermen’s understanding of the impacts of IUU fishing. According to the Fisheries Surveillance Department, more than 85% of fishermen attending these sessions reported a better grasp of legal regulations and the importance of marine resource protection.
In recent months, both agencies have jointly disseminated anti-IUU messages to 19,659 fishing vessels in Vietnam, distributing over 72,000 informational leaflets, nearly 28,000 IUU law handbooks, and more than 15,000 national flags to fishermen. Additionally, they exchanged approximately 670 updates via phone calls with coordinating forces on issues related to IUU fishing.
The education programs have also included guidance on transitioning to sustainable fishing practices, such as inland or onshore aquaculture models, to reduce the strain on marine resources. Provinces like Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan have supported fishermen in establishing large-scale aquaculture zones, contributing to job transitions and improving the livelihoods of thousands of fishing households.
Technological solutions in monitoring and managing fishing vessels
To meet EU transparency and compliance requirements, Vietnam has deployed VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) for all fishing vessels 15 meters and longer. By October 2024, approximately 98% of eligible fishing vessels have completed the installation of VMS. The VMS system not only tracks vessel locations in real-time but also provides data for analyzing and detecting suspicious activities.
Furthermore, MARD is promoting data digitization in fisheries management and monitoring. Authorities are developing a national database for fishing vessels, which will store and manage comprehensive information about fishing activities. This database will be shared with international organizations to help in tracking and investigating IUU fishing globally.
Vietnam’s commitment to the fight against IUU fishing
The resolution of the IUU yellow card is not just a short-term goal but a long-term, sustainable development strategy for Vietnam's fisheries industry. MARD has set a target of completely eliminating IUU fishing by 2025 and building a transparent, environmentally friendly, and sustainable fishing sector.
In the coming period, to further enhance the effectiveness of cooperation between the Command Staff of the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Fisheries Surveillance Department, both parties are expected to maintain information sharing about Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen detained abroad, foreign vessels violating Vietnamese waters, and the results of patrols and inspections at sea.
The Fisheries Surveillance Department is also focusing on raising skill levels within its ranks, particularly regarding the use of weapons, explosives, support tools, and specialized technical means as prescribed by law. Additionally, joint patrols and intelligence teams are expected to be established between the two forces, particularly to address issues related to VMS compliance, ensuring strict penalties to serve as a deterrent.
Notably, General Director Nguyen Quang Hung has expressed that the Fisheries Surveillance Department is currently proposing the establishment of a Command and Control Center to strengthen the effectiveness of anti-IUU activities. This center is anticipated to improve coordination, and facilitate resource allocation and strategic planning for IUU combat efforts.
Major General Le Dinh Cuong, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Vietnam Coast Guard, who also heads the Coast Guard Command’s IUU Steering Committee, emphasized that law enforcement at sea currently relies on the joint efforts of the Coast Guard and Fisheries Surveillance. Both forces share common ground, and in the future, the Vietnam Coast Guard Command will continue to direct its units to collaborate even more closely with the Fisheries Surveillance Department.
As the end of the year approaches with numerous tasks remaining, the two forces are urged to enhance their cooperative efforts further. Major General Le Dinh Cuong underscored, "Peace at sea means peace for both the Coast Guard and the Fisheries Surveillance."
With the ongoing dedication of Vietnamese authorities, particularly from the Vietnam Coast Guard Command and the Fisheries Surveillance Department, substantial progress is being made toward lifting the EU yellow card and advancing Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable and compliant fisheries practices.
Hai Dang