EC is expected to visit Vietnam to check IUU in December or October this year

Based on the report from MARD, the Ministry, acting as the permanent agency of the National Steering Committee on IUU, sent a delegation to Belgium from April 22–26 to work with the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), which is a part of the European Commission. The purpose of this delegation was to address the issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) activities and to remove the EC "yellow card" associated with them. The working group provided a report on the implementation outcomes in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission after the fourth inspection in October of the previous year.

The Commission acknowledged and commended Vietnam's efforts in implementing its recommendations during the fourth inspection in October 2023. Specifically, Vietnam made significant progress in completing its legal framework, improving fishing fleets, enhancing origin traceability, and strengthening penalties for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing violations.

It is crucial to take measures to prevent and address the unlawful fishing conducted by ships in international waters. Additionally, more stringent steps should be implemented to penalize behaviors related to illicit, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly instances of disabling the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters.

Simultaneously, there is an immediate need to establish a coordinated and integrated electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT).

The European Commission (EC) strongly advocates for the removal of the "yellow card" warning imposed on Vietnam. For optimal and enduring outcomes, it is recommended to promptly and comprehensively address current issues and constraints at the local level. This involves making significant improvements in the execution of Decree No. 37/2024/ND-CP and Decree No. 38/2024/ND-CP of the Government, which will come into effect on May 19.

The European Commission (EC) requires updates and reports on the progress of preventing and controlling IUU fishing, as well as the implementation of the EC's recommendations, by September 15. This will enable them to evaluate and appraise the situation and determine the date of the fifth inspection visit to Vietnam, contingent upon actual outcomes, with the potential to lift the "yellow card" warning.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, the Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced that the European Commission (EC) has postponed their visit to Vietnam. The visit, originally scheduled for May, will now take place in September or October of this year. Before the EC's inspection, Vietnam will persist in implementing stringent and resolute steps to potentially eliminate the "yellow card."

As per Mr. Hung's statement, the primary objectives and strategies to be pursued with great focus from now until September or October are as follows: "We must take all necessary measures to prevent and reduce the occurrence of fishing vessels trespassing into foreign waters, and firmly deal with any fishing vessels found in violation."

Furthermore, the authorities must enforce regulatory measures for fishing vessels to guarantee optimal circumstances for offshore fishing. Concerning traceability, the European Commission has demanded stringent measures to address instances of material mixing and document forgery that have been previously uncovered.

Furthermore, specialized organizations must strengthen their oversight and authentication of the provenance of seafood at ports. Authorities and enterprises must guarantee that all exports to the EC market and other markets are both lawful and devoid of any mixed materials.To have a possibility of lifting the yellow card, these crucial matters must be comprehensively addressed and accomplished by September. "Otherwise, engaging in discussions, reporting, and negotiating with the EC will become exceedingly challenging," emphasized Mr. Hung.

Furthermore, the government must enforce steps to regulate fishing vessels to guarantee adherence to offshore fishing requirements. In relation to traceability, the European Commission has mandated that we rigorously manage instances of material blending and fabrication of records that have been previously recognized.

Specialized agencies should strengthen their oversight and verification of the origin of seafood at ports. Authorities and enterprises must guarantee that exports to the EC market and other markets comply with the law and are devoid of any mixed materials.

"In order to have a chance of removing the yellow card, it is crucial to thoroughly address and accomplish these key issues by September. Otherwise, engaging in discussions, reporting, and negotiating with the EC will become exceedingly challenging," added Mr. Hung.

Phung Duc Tien, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Vice Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, stated that Vietnam has been issued a "yellow card" warning by the European Commission (EC) since October 23, 2017. Almost seven years have elapsed, yet the problem remains unresolved, mostly owing to historical and subjective considerations.

Following four inspections, the EC has confirmed that our central agencies have displayed great determination, and our political resolve is robust. Nevertheless, as stated by the Deputy Minister, following a recent visit to Europe, the EC still mandates our ongoing concentration on four categories of suggestions: finalizing the legal structure; overseeing the fleet, monitoring, regulating, and supervising fishing vessel operations; tracking the source of harvested seafood; and implementing laws and managing administrative infractions."The Deputy Minister stated that the essence of our Fisheries Law is to establish a fisheries sector that is globally interconnected, characterized by openness and accountability."

The Deputy Minister affirmed that the EC assesses that we are making progress in the correct direction. The central government demonstrates a high level of activity and determination, exhibiting great political resolve. However, it is important to acknowledge that numerous unresolved issues require immediate attention following the recommendations of the EC. Ministries, agencies, and communities are required to promptly and decisively take necessary measures. Provinces that fail to meet expectations during inspections should be subjected to harsh criticism without any leniency.