Strict measures against illegal fishing vessel accomplices

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang chaired an online meeting on the afternoon of June 17, at the Government Office with the National Steering Committee on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Prevention. The meeting saw the participation of 28 coastal provinces and cities.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang instructed local governments to prepare for the implementation of Resolution No. 04, issued by the Panel of Judges of the Supreme People's Court, effective from August 1, 2024. This Resolution aims to enforce strict measures against parties who assist Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen with illegal fishing activities in foreign waters, and the legalization of documents for seafood shipments.

Resolution No. 04 comprises 11 articles that guide the implementation of 10 articles under the Penal Code. Furthermore, the Resolution provides the legal basis for prosecuting violations involving parties who assist Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen with illegal fishing activities in foreign waters, and the legalization of documents for seafood shipments. The Resolution contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of IUU fishing prevention efforts, and promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam's fisheries sector.

"The parties involved in the prosecuted cases are ringleaders, brokers, and organizers of illegal fishing activities, as well as repeat offenders, but not those hired as labor," Deputy Prime Minister Quang emphasized.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Quang, despite the severity of these measures, they are essential to the removal of Vietnam's "yellow card" on seafood exports to the EU. With comprehensive, decisive, and drastic actions, Vietnam will have an opportunity to remove the "yellow card" during the European Commission's fifth inspection, which scheduled for September - October, 2024.

On the other hand, Deputy Prime Minister Quang instructed the Directorate of Fisheries to focus on extensively and comprehensively disseminating information pertaining to Resolution No. 04. Additionally, relevant agencies are requested to increase the "intensity and frequency" of their fishing fleet management and monitoring activities; and implement drastic measures in the tracing of seafood origin.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and local governments are requested to organize teams, and conduct thorough inspections and supervision at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to assess the needs of the local community and governments, thereby providing timely and appropriate solutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Quang commended and encouraged local goverments to implement their own policies in supporting the fight against IUU fishing, as central resources are incapable of meeting the needs of every province and city.

Vietnam has designated IUU fishing prevention as an urgent and critical task, as outlined under Directive No. 32-CT/TW issued by the Party Secretariat, Resolution No. 52/NQ-CP issued by the Government, and other directives issued by the Prime Minister and Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU Fishing Prevention, along with other relevant documents.

According to Directive No. 32, local party committees, organizations, and leadership have "direct responsibility" for providing instructions; fostering unity and determination to achieve the goal of removing Vietnam's "yellow card" in 2024; and maintaining sustainable results, thereby contributing to socio-economic development.

Deputy Prime Minister Quang requested ministries, sectors, and local governments to collaborate and focus on effectively implementing Directive No. 32-CT/TW issued by the Party Secretariat, Resolution No. 04, and other measures as a high-priority campaign over the next three months, with the goal of removing Vietnam's IUU "yellow card" during the upcoming EC inspection.

During an anti-IUU fishing meeting on May 21, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien provided information on his discussion with European authorities during his official visit in late April 2024. Notably, the European authorities re-emphasized four primary recommendations, including: improving the legal framework; enhancing the management of fishing vessels; managing the traceability of fishery products; and addressing violations by fishing vessels in foreign waters.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, Vietnam has only effectively accomplished the first of the four recommendations. The Central Secretariat Committee and the Government recently issued Directive No. 32/CT-TW and Resolution No. 52/NQ-CP, respectively, to strengthen the Party\'s leadership in anti-IUU fishing efforts. Additionally, the Government issued Decrees No. 37 and No. 38/ND-CP in early April 2024 to amend and supplement regulations pertaining to the implementation of the 2017 Law on Fisheries.