Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien: anti-IUU fishing inspection must be comprehensive

The Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development held a Meeting on April 4 to report on the results of its first quarter's operations and to discuss strategies and key tasks for the second quarter. Mr. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, presided over the meeting.

During the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, General Director of the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance, reported that the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance has developed detailed plans since the beginning of 2024 for each of its subordinating unit, with specific tasks to be implemented monthly, quarterly, and annually.

According to Mr. Hung, during the first quarter of 2024, the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance provided consultations for the Prime Minister regarding the National Program for the Protection and Development of Fisheries Resources. Additionally, the unit provided consultations for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the Plan for the Protection and Exploitation of Fisheries Resources from 2021 to 2030, with a vision towards 2050. Subsequently, the Ministry will submit the Plan to the Prime Minister for approval. Furthermore, the unit examined and compiled the necessary amendments and supplements to regulations pertaining to the surveillance and protection of fisheries resources.

On the other hand, a Coordination Mechanism was established between the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance and various law enforcement agencies at sea. The unit collaborated with the Department of Legal Affairs and Inspection under the Directorate of Fisheries to amend Decree No. 26/2019/ND-CP and Decree No. 42/2019/ND-CP. All provinces and cities have been proactive in restocking fisheries resources. Additionally, the unit has enhanced its international cooperation efforts in fisheries surveillance activities, with notable partners including the United States and Japan.

The report from the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance also outlines key plans and tasks for the second quarter of 2024, including:

Completing documents and reporting to the Party Central Committee on the Draft Comprehensive Plan for the development of the fisheries surveillance force from 2023 to 2030, with a vision towards 2045.

Organizing patrols and inspections following the bidding process for the procurement of fuel for fisheries surveillance vessels; focusing on controlling serious IUU fishing violations; preventing Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen from illegally engaging in fishing activities in foreign waters.

Providing consultations for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the project for the expansion and establishment of new marine conservation areas, fisheries resource protection zones, and the restoration of marine ecosystems to ensure that marine and coastal areas account for 6 percent of the natural area of ​​the national marine territory by 2030. 

Continuing to provide consultations regarding anti-IUU fishing tasks and solutions as stipulated in Decision No. 81/QD-TTg and Official Dispatch No. 265/CD-TTg issued by the Prime Minister, with a focus on preventing Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen from illegally engaging in fishing activities in foreign waters.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung stressed, "During the first quarter of 2024, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien personally conducted inspections on anti-IUU fishing efforts in seven provinces and cities. The Deputy Minister has concluded that the provinces have remained actively involved in anti-IUU fishing efforts; however, he highlighted several issues that require immediate attention."

Implementing international cooperation tasks regarding anti-IUU fishing, including: receiving and meeting with the EC inspection team regarding Vietnam's implementation of IUU recommendations; organizing high-level and technical negotiation delegations to coordinate with the EC in Belgium and Norway.

Mr. Vu Duyen Hai, Head of the Fisheries Exploitation Department under the Directorate of Fisheries, affirmed that despite challenging institutional, organizational, and staffing conditions, the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance has achieved definite and encouraging results during and prior to the first quarter of 2024.

The Directorate of Fisheries and the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance recently coordinated to provide consultations for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding the development of the fisheries sector, with a focus on fisheries exploitation. Both parties aim to strengthen this partnership in the near future.

Accordingly, Mr. Hai recommended the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance to continue improving its institutional, organizational, and staffing structures as part of the unit's strategy for the second quarter and onward, with the goal of "conducting inspections wherever fishing vessels operate." This task will be vital to Vietnam's effort in combating IUU fishing, and in addressing the "yellow card" issued by the European Commission.

Furthermore, several provinces and cities are struggling in terms of anti-IUU fishing efforts. These areas may be subject to the EC's inspection. As a result, the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance advised the Deputy Minister to promptly conduct inspections within these areas before the EC inspection team's fifth visit to Vietnam.

Additionally, Vietnam's delegation to the EC in Belgium and Norway must thoroughly prepare to address the "yellow card" issue.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien assessed that although the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance is a newly established unit under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, its organizational structure and activities are highly synchronized and professional.

"Recent international cooperation activities in the field of fisheries surveillance have been very productive, with new opportunities for Vietnam. The restocking of fisheries resources has been well-maintained across different regions," the Deputy Minister stated.

According to the Deputy Minister, the fisheries surveillance sector must accomplish various key tasks in the second quarter of 2024 and the foreseeable future. Namely, the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance must focus on drafting legal documents, finalizing projects, and focusing on the conservation, protection, and development of fisheries resources.

"We must prioritize anti-IUU fishing tasks. For instance, Vietnam's delegation to the EC in Belgium and Norway must develop detailed plans, with a focus on the EC's priority issues. Provinces and cities which are struggling with anti-IUU fishing tasks must promptly address their issues in preparation for the EC's fifth visit to Vietnam. Future anti-IUU fishing inspections must be conducted in a thorough and comprehensive manner," the Deputy Minister emphasized.