IUU ‘yellow card’ removal: Hardness is visible but explaination for the ‘can’t’ is unacceptable

Addressing violations of IUU fishing has not been truly effective

During a meeting organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on June 25, Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Director of the Fisheries Control Department, discussed solutions to regulate the activities of fishing vessels entering and leaving ports and enforce laws against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing violations. He stated that after almost 7 years of implementing measures to address the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card" warning, progress has been made in combating IUU fishing.

Nevertheless, Mr. Hung has indicated that certain tasks are advancing sluggishly and failing to satisfy the conditions outlined by the EC's recommendations. These responsibilities encompass the regulation and supervision of fishing vessels' operations upon their arrival and departure from ports, as well as the enforcement of laws pertaining to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing breaches. However, these measures could be more effective in guaranteeing full compliance with the law. The coordination among law enforcement agencies within and between provinces has been insufficient and inefficient.

Mr. Hung identified several current problems and constraints, including a slow completion of fishing license registration and issuance, the lack of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on fishing vessels, and the need to address the issue of "three no" fishing vessels (unregistered, unlicensed, and undocumented).

The installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) is nearing completion, however, it is typical for fishing vessels to disconnect their VMS and cross maritime boundaries. Significantly, the issue of fishing vessels and fishermen trespassing into foreign waters remains complex and exhibits indications of escalation.

"The enforcement and sanctioning of illegal fishing operations in international waters remains significantly restricted. Since 2020, a mere 81 out of a total of 381 vessels have been subjected to sanctions," Mr. Hung emphasized. There have been very few instances of border crossing at sea, fishing in unauthorized areas, or violations connected to purchase logs, transshipment logs, and fishing logs that have been confirmed and punished, in comparison to the total number of infractions.

Fish vessels possess the required documentation while entering and leaving ports, lack them at sea

Colonel Duong The Vo, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Border Guard Command, stated that the Border Guard forces at control stations have recently conducted rigorous inspections and surveillance of fishing vessels entering and leaving ports in accordance with the responsibilities and duties of the Border Guard. This has resulted in a 100% compliance rate, with all fishing vessels equipped with the necessary documents and technical safety equipment as mandated by regulations.

Fishing vessels exceeding a length of 6 meters are subject to inclusion in a management and monitoring system, particularly those deemed to have a high likelihood of violating foreign waters. It is important to note that our fishermen's fishing vessels strictly adhere to all necessary procedures, documentation, and technical safety equipment when entering and exiting ports through border control stations. Additionally, the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices are fully operational. Nevertheless, during maritime operations and inspections conducted by authorities, there are occurrences of documentation and equipment that are lacking as required, or VMS devices being deactivated or moved to different vessels to facilitate illicit fishing in foreign waters or restricted areas, Colonel Duong The Vo further stated.

Deputy Commander of the Border Guard, Major General Le Van Phuc, confirmed that the Border Guard Command has consistently instructed coastal border guard units to fully comply with all superior directives regarding the mission of combating IUU fishing. Furthermore, the command has implemented coordinated and decisive actions to address the issue of IUU fishing. Nevertheless, several infractions persist in this undertaking, including VMS disconnections and fishing vessels trespassing into foreign waters.

Major General Le Van Phuc proposed implementing stringent measures that would remove the IUU "yellow card" in the future. These measures include intensifying patrols, inspections, and controls of fishing vessels at coastal border guard stations, as well as enhancing coordination between functional forces and local authorities.

Phung Duc Tien, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU, and Head of the IUU Steering Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that despite nearly 7 years of efforts to address the IUU "yellow card", the fourth inspection conducted by the EC identified several weaknesses in the local implementation. These weaknesses include instances of fishing vessels and fishermen being detained in foreign waters, with only approximately 76% of vessels being updated in the national monitoring system. Additionally, there are still numerous cases of VMS disconnection in maritime and border areas, and the problem of transferring monitoring devices to one vessel and engaging in illegal exploitation continues to persist.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stressed that numerous pressing matters must be addressed before the EC inspection team arrives in September. If we can effectuate good alterations, it is possible that we can eliminate the yellow card.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that the Secretariat has released Directive 32, the Government has published Resolution 52, and the Prime Minister has issued multiple directions and communications. Resolution 04, which provides guidelines for the prosecution of unlawful fishing and the illicit trade of aquatic products, is set to take effect on August 1. If these measures are applied consistently, especially in the areas of vessel management and fleet surveillance, we should expect to observe favorable outcomes.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's leadership has confirmed that the legal foundation is fully established, and the objective of lifting the "yellow card" has been outlined in Directive 32. Cooperation among entities such as fisheries control, the coast guard, border guard, and police is vital in order to tackle these concerns. Furthermore, it is imperative to deal with administrative infractions rigorously and consistently.

To lift the IUU 'yellow card' by September, as required by Directive 32, we need to demonstrate greater determination. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized that despite the challenges, there are no arguments or explanations. We must adhere to a single course of action as this is an extremely crucial period.