A golden opportunity for Vietnam to lift the IUU ‘yellow card’ after 8 years

On September 8, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien and a working delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment inspected the progress of the Tinh Hoa storm shelter and fishing port project, and worked with Quang Ngai Province on anti-IUU efforts and the implementation of recommendations from the European Commission (EC).

According to the leaders of the Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee, the province has recently focused on implementing drastic measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This has contributed to the strict implementation of the government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment directives while preparing for the European Commission (EC) 's fifth inspection mission.

As of August 31, the province had 4,898 fishing vessels measuring 6m or longer, of which 95.41% were licensed for fishing. Vessel registration, inspection, and marking reached 100%. Notably, the installation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on fishing boats participating in exploitation reached 100%. The remaining vessels were listed for close monitoring by local authorities and border guard stations.

In addition, the province has implemented the eCDT electronic seafood traceability system for 100% of vessels entering and leaving ports, supervising more than 13,400 tons of seafood through ports and collecting over 13,500 fishing logbooks. By August 2025, the Port Management Board had issued 99 catch certificates (SC) covering more than 2,500 tons of seafood. The Fisheries and Islands Sub-department also issued 62 catch certificates (CC) covering more than 800 tons of products.

Mr. Ho Trong Phuong, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai Province, noted that despite achievements, certain issues remain, particularly cases of vessels losing VMS connection and crossing boundaries illegally. Between 2024-2025, enforcement forces verified and fined many cases. However, due to limited manpower and difficulties in applying enforcement regulations, challenges persist.

Regarding the Tinh Hoa storm shelter and fishing port project (Dong Son Commune, Quang Ngai Province), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) approved the investment decision under Decision No. 5045 dated December 27, 2022. The project has a total budget of VND 460 billion, including VND 400 billion from the central budget and VND 60 billion from the provincial budget. Construction began in 2023.

According to the design, the new port will include a 350m-long, 12m-wide wharf. Once completed in 2027, Tinh Hoa Fishing Port will be able to handle about 25,000 tons of seafood annually. By early September 2025, several components had been completed, including renovation of the old port, construction of wharves, embankments, internal roads, and water supply and drainage systems. Construction progress has reached 16.8% of the contract value.

However, land clearance and compensation have only covered about 50% of the planned area, delaying several key components. Compensation costs also increased by more than VND 39 billion compared to the original estimate, creating significant pressure on the provincial budget.

Another issue was the design of stairways at the docking wharf, which were considered unsuitable and higher than those at other provincial fishing ports. If unchanged, fishermen would face difficulties in docking and unloading goods. After the on-site inspection, relevant agencies agreed to adjust the design for better convenience.

Mr. Ho Trong Phuong, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai Province, said: “This is a key fisheries infrastructure project that helps protect fishermen during storm season and promotes the province’s marine economy. The authorities will focus on resolving obstacles related to land, funding, and progress to put the project into operation soon for fishermen.”

To ensure this goal, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai Province recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment quickly approve adjustments to the total investment and proposed that the Provincial People’s Committee allocate additional funds for compensation and land clearance. If these issues are resolved promptly, Tinh Hoa Fishing Port will become a modern and safe fisheries hub, contributing to improving the livelihoods of Quang Ngai’s fishing communities.

After inspecting and working with the Quang Ngai Provincial People’s Committee, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien praised the province’s efforts in implementing anti-IUU measures. The electronic traceability system has been operating relatively effectively, and provincial agencies have closely coordinated in monitoring the fishing fleet and handling violations.

Regarding the Tinh Hoa storm shelter and fishing port project, after noting Quang Ngai’s positive changes, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized that from now until the end of the year, there is still a large workload. He urged Quang Ngai to accelerate progress, push construction around the clock, mobilize forces, and avoid delays or lack of accountability. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will continue to accompany and support Quang Ngai Province.

* $1 = VND 26.305 - Source: Vietcombank.