Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance must commit to anti-IUU fishing

"The Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance force was established immediately following the Hai Duong 981 oil rig incident. Consequently, the Party, the State and the Government have placed high expectations in this task force", Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien opened his speech on the 9th anniversary of the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance's establishment (April 15, 2014 - April 15, 2023).

Based on activity reports made by the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance, the Deputy Minister believes that this force has affirmed the position, role and necessity of a law enforcement unit specializing in the protection of aquatic resources, especially during the escalating crisis on the East Sea.

The Deputy Minister added that the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance has contributed significantly to the achievement of the fisheries sector, namely the record high export value of 11 billion USD in 2022.

He congratulated the force's success on all of its duties including: maintaining security and order in the seas, protecting the country's sovereignty over seas and islands, providing stable support for fishermen at seas, protecting the sustainable development of aquatic resources.

On the other hand, the surveillance force has effectively implemented agreements that Vietnam signed with other countries in the region, resulting in a stable and peaceful marine zone.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien also highlighted several shortcomings that the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance force needs to overcome such as skills involving engagement, fishing vessels monitoring,  handling of violation regarding the law on fishing. Furthermore, the surveillance force needs to improve its inadquate facilities and equipment to meet the requirements of political tasks.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has organized consultations for multiple draft projects aimed at conserving aquatic resources, as well as building and developing conservation areas and anchorages for fishing vessels. Additionally, the Ministry sets an urgent goal to reduce the number of fishing vessels from approximately 91,700 to 83,600 by 2030.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development sent Official Dispatch No. 1797 dated March 2023 to urge the People's Committees of coastal provinces and cities to establish local fisheries surveillance forces. Subsequently, their efforts will contribute to the enforcement of the law on exploitation and protection of aquatic resources.

So far, only 9 out of 28 coastal provinces and cities across the country have established their own local fisheries surveillance forces. Eight of which were established on a divisional or equivalent level under the Sub-Department of Fisheries, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Kien Giang is the only province to establish a fisheries surveillance force  on a branch-level.

According to current regulations, local fisheries surveillance forces do not hold the authority to impose sanctions. They operate mainly on the basis of Decree 07 when inspecting and protecting aquatic resources. As a result, the Deputy Minister asked the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance to remain proactive and coordinate with relevant units including the coast guard, border guard, navy, and traffic police.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the importance of the fight against IUU fishing as well as the removal of the EC yellow card as two consequential political tasks.

"Vietnam's total fishing output reached 3.72 million tons in 2022, and that amount is too high. If we can't reduce the intensity of fishing, it will be difficult for us to conserve aquatic resources as well as combat IUU fishing", the Deputy Minister remarked.

Moreover, the maritime functional forces' delayed administrative processing and inability to update the amount of violation cases in real time is one of the drawbacks highlighted by the Deputy Minister.

With the EU as a major and indispensable target market for Vietnam's seafood, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien requested the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance to dedicate to the fight against IUU fishing.

The Deputy Minister reminded the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance to complete and submit to the Prime Minister the following documents: the Master Plan on fisheries surveillance development from 2023 to 2030, with orientation towards 2045; National Master Plan on conservation and exploitation of aquatic resources; and any plannings for projects, schemes and programs to implement the aforementioned masterplans.

Moreover, the Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance force needs to effectively implement the instructions under Decision No. 1077/QD-TTg dated September 14, 2022 and Decision 81/QD-TTg on organizing patrols and inspections, monitoring fishing activities from the beginning of the year.

Regarding recommendations to resource investments, working space and international cooperation, the Deputy Minister pledged to accomodate the force's duties.