Vietnam, as one of the world's leading seafood producers, significantly contributes to the economy and livelihoods of millions of coastal residents. However, the sector faces immense challenges due to the prevalence of IUU fishing. This practice not only depletes marine resources but also tarnishes Vietnam's international reputation, especially since the European Union issued a "yellow card" warning against Vietnam's seafood products in 2017.
To address this issue and ensure sustainable development, Vietnam has implemented numerous measures. Among these, collaborating with international organizations like the IMCS Network represents a pivotal step toward enhancing management capabilities and legal enforcement in the fisheries sector.
Current Status of Fisheries Management in Vietnam
During the meeting, Mr. Vu Duyen Hai, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries, presented existing systems implemented by Vietnam to manage and monitor fishing vessels. Key systems include The Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), This vital tool tracks the locations and routes of fishing vessels to ensure compliance with fishing regulations. However, some fishermen deliberately disable the devices or switch them to other vessels to evade monitoring. These actions pose significant challenges for authorities. Vnfishbase Database System, this comprehensive database stores information on all fishing vessels nationwide. Supported by VTC Corporation, the KC01 project is currently integrating data from local regions to create a unified and efficient management platform. The Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDT) - this system ensures the traceability of seafood products from harvesting to export, meeting stringent international market requirements. End Administrative Penalty System, This tool supports authorities in handling violations transparently and promptly.
The Role of the IMCS Network
Established in 2001, the IMCS Network is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering international cooperation in monitoring, control, and enforcement of fishing regulations. With financial support from the Canadian government, IMCS has assisted numerous countries, including Vietnam, in enhancing management capabilities and legal enforcement in fisheries.
At the meeting, Ms. Sara Lenel, Deputy Director of IMCS Coordination, shared international management experiences and emphasized that IMCS does not require detailed data from Vietnam but only general trends to ensure data confidentiality. She pledged to support Vietnam in several areas, including Developing Analytical Tools, IMCS will provide advanced analytical solutions to help Vietnam identify and address violations, such as disabling VMS connections or illegal fishing in foreign waters. And Training and Expert Exchange, IMCS proposed sending international experts to Vietnam for technical support. Simultaneously, Vietnamese experts will have opportunities to participate in practical training programs in Canada or other regions, such as Australia or Pacificisland nations, to improve their management and surveillance skills.
Challenges and solutions
The meeting delved deeply into Vietnam's significant challenges in combating IUU fishing. Prominent issues include sophisticated violations such as turning off VMS devices, fishing in foreign waters, and employing evasive tactics to avoid detection. Meanwhile, Vietnam faces limitations in resources, and its current monitoring systems are not robust enough to handle complex situations. The management workforce is also thin and lacks advanced analytical tools.
To address these challenges, Mr. Hai proposed several solutions, including: Improving Legal Frameworks, reviewing and supplementing legal provisions related to penalizing violations while enhancing coordination among functional agencies. Promoting Technology Application, integrating existing systems like Vnfishbase and eCDT into a centralized management platform to streamline monitoring and enforcement. And Strengthening International Cooperation, working closely with IMCS and other international organizations to improve management capacity, from providing tools to training and knowledge sharing.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to finalize a memorandum of understanding and a detailed cooperation plan within two weeks. Vietnam committed to sharing existing legal documents for IMCS to review and provide advisory recommendations. In return, IMCS will assist in developing analytical tools and improving the fisheries management system, thereby enhancing Vietnam's law enforcement capabilities.
The collaboration between the Department of Fisheries and the IMCS Network marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's efforts to combat IUU fishing. With support from international organizations and strong domestic determination, Vietnam is moving closer to its goal of developing a sustainable fisheries sector that meets global standards and preserves marine resources for future generations.
Hai Dang