Anticipating the European Commission's conclusion regarding the removal of IUU ‘Yellow Card’

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien disclosed preliminary findings related to the ongoing process of IUU yellow card removal after the fourth on-site inspection carried out by the EC delegation. This inspection took place between October 10 and 18, 2023, in the provinces of Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Dinh, with a specific focus on the efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

During his announcement, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien elaborated on the EC inspection delegation's continued acknowledgment and high appraisal of Vietnam's effots to combat IUU fishing. Notably, he highlighted the political commitment, guidance, and government attention dedicated to this critical issue, including the involvement of the Prime Minister. Furthermore, the EC expressed their positive assessment of Vietnam's substantial transformation towards responsible fisheries and the comprehensive support received from the central government, emphasizing that the transition from civil fisheries to responsible fisheries has shown commendable progress.

Regarding legal regulations, the EC delegation expressed their fundamental agreement with the draft decrees that aim to amend and supplement existing legislation, including Decree 26/2019/ND-CP of the Government, which outlines various aspects of the Law on Fisheries, and Decree No. 42/2019/ND-CP, which governs sanctions for administrative violations in the field of fisheries.

However, a prominent concern arising from the inspection relates to the effectiveness of actual implementation at the local level. Challenges remain in terms of monitoring, controlling, and supervising fishing vessel activities and the enforcement of sanctions for IUU fishing. Additionally, the handling of fraudulent business practices is deemed to be inadequately stringent.

The EC delegation has called for Vietnam to address several critical issues, including prohibiting fishing vessels that have violated regulations from fishing illegally in foreign waters. They have further recommended the restriction of fishing vessels from disconnecting for extended periods, addressing issues related to registration, inspection, and licensing, raising the penalty rates, and enhancing control over raw materials imported via container ships for swordfish and longfin pectoral tuna.

The EC inspection team continues to highlight the importance of Vietnam's strict handling of local organizations and individuals that fail to fulfill their designated responsibilities, particularly in cases involving illegal business practices. Furthermore, they advocate for localities to concentrate on the rigorous enforcement of fisheries laws, particularly regulations pertaining to voyage monitoring equipment (VMS), registration, licensing, and vessel identification.  A shift in practice is anticipated, with a resolute commitment to penalizing IUU fishing violations.

In terms of official results and the ultimate determination regarding the removal of Vietnam's IUU yellow card, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien has emphasized that the inspection team will report their findings to the General Department of Marine and Fisheries Affairs within the European Commission. It is at this juncture that the conclusion regarding the removal of Vietnam's IUUyellow card will be drawn.

As preparations commence for the next inspection, slated for the period from May to June 2024, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien has proposed that the leadership of coastal provinces and cities maintain consistent, close, and simultaneous guidance. The implementation of a comprehensive set of solutions will be pivotal to achieving the objective of eliminating the IUU yellow card. In particular, provinces equipped with VMS systems are urged to maintain a continuous 24/7 watch to promptly detect vessels crossing boundaries and losing connectivity. Strong measures must also be taken to prevent fishing vessels from engaging in illegal fishing activities in foreign waters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will expeditiously implement the electronic traceability system and will continue to establish working groups tasked with inspecting, prompting action, and recommending measures to hold accountable those organizations and individuals who may still fall short in fulfilling their local responsibilities in the fight against IUU fishing.

IUU is a challenging issue because it stems from the nature of small-scale fishing in our country. The structure of small-scale fishing consists of individual households, where fishing is often passed down from generation to generation. Many of these households still operate on small boats, and their fishing methods are manual and dispersed.

The removal of the yellow card warning against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) imposed by the European Commission (EC) is more than just a goal for Vietnam’s seafood industry. This will also be a step towards improving the marine environment for sustainable and responsible fishing practices.