Fighting IUU fishing: There are still many shortcomings

Against IUU fishing for the last 5 years

On the afternoon of December 1, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired an online conference with 28 central-affiliated coastal provinces and cities on combating illegal, undeclared and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The conference was held in person at the Government Headquarters and online to more than 600 bridge points in communes, wards, townships, districts, towns, provinces and centrally-run cities.

Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that this conference is to discuss an issue that has existed for five years. In 2021, the Prime Minister chaired an online meeting with provinces and cities on this issue. Still, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has not been resolved decisively.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister raised the issue of needing to review the responsibilities of all levels, branches and localities, and also needed the active participation of the people.

The Prime Minister asked delegates to discuss and specify the causes and problems to have a complete solution and effectively implement the removal of the IUU "yellow card", with the view of "thinking the truth, telling the truth, doing the truth and being effective"  Those who do well must be rewarded, those who do not do well must be reviewed, those who intentionally violate must be dealt with.

The Prime Minister emphasized, "We must do this for the nation, the interests of the people, for the image of the country in the international arena, affirming that Vietnam is a good friend, reliable partner, the member responsible for the international community, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world".

Vessels crossing maritime boundaries are still common, but the rate of violations is low

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the anti-IUU fishing situation after 5 years of being warned of the "yellow card" has positively changed. However, there are still many shortcomings, limitations and delays in overcoming in practice in the locality that has been recognized, evaluated, and recommended by the 3rd EC's Inspection Team.

Accordingly, the EC recognizes and highly appreciates the political determination of Vietnam, especially the attention and drastic direction of the Government and the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has coordinated well with ministries, branches and localities to direct and organize the implementation of many positive solutions to combat IUU fishing; well prepare content, plans and work programs with the EC's Inspection Delegation; provide all relevant records and documents to ensure transparency, honesty and objectivity.

The situation against IUU fishing in Vietnam has had many positive changes compared to the 2nd actual inspection in 2019, such as: Completing the legal framework; tracking, fleet management, output monitoring; carrying out certification, certification and traceability of domestic and imported aquatic products; Law enforcement and administrative penalties have been improved and remarkable results have been achieved.

However, it is necessary to review and adjust some legal provisions. The fleet is large compared to the number of resources. The registration and registration have not been completed. The situation of fishing vessels losing connection to VMS and crossing the sea boundary is still common. However, the investigation and handling of administrative violations in the locality are still minimal compared to violations. The control of fishing vessels in and out of the port is still not tight, and the rate of monitoring output to the wharf is still low. The recording, submission and quality of mining logs are not satisfactory.

Along with that, the implementation of certification, certification and traceability of aquatic products caught in the country still exists; not yet control the origin of fishery products imported from abroad into Vietnam by container ships for export to markets other than Europe, leading to the risk of IUU violations. The trouble of domestic and foreign raw materials being mixed for processing and exporting to the EU market. The situation of fishing vessels violating illegal fishing in foreign waters still occurs, and complicated developments...

The localities have done well, significantly reducing the cases of fishing vessels violating fishing in foreign waters such as Phu Yen, and Tien Giang provinces. However, many provinces still allow illegal fishing vessels to exploit foreign waters.