Determined to lift IUU ‘yellow card’: Viet Nam united for national prestige and fishermen’s livelihoods

After nearly eight years of persistent action, Vietnam has been affirming its strong political will and the concerted involvement of the entire system in addressing the “yellow card” warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

These comprehensive efforts represent a strong commitment to the international community and form the basis for Vietnam to express its desire for recognition from the European Union (EU), while jointly fostering a new phase of cooperation that is fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.

Unified determination, resolute action from central to local levels

EC "yellow card" warning on wild-caught seafood in 2017 was not only a reminder but also a turning point that compelled Vietnam to take strong and coordinated action to restructure its fisheries toward greater transparency, sustainability, and international integration.

Since then, after nearly eight years under the IUU "yellow card" warning and through four rounds of inspections, the EC has recognized that Vietnam’s efforts to have the "yellow card" lifted are on the right track, showing positive improvements. This demonstrates that, from policy to practice, Vietnam has turned pressure into momentum for reform. It also clearly reflects political consensus and an unyielding spirit of determination. Such persistence embodies a strategic vision, meeting integration requirements while safeguarding livelihoods and upholding national reputation.

In terms of the legal framework, Vietnam has issued the 2017 Fisheries Law, along with eight circulars and one amended circular. More recently, the Government revised Decree No. 42/2019/ND-CP on administrative penalties in the fisheries sector and Decree No. 26/2019/ND-CP detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Fisheries Law, replacing them with Decree No. 37/2024/ND-CP and Decree No. 38/2024/ND-CP. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) previously also amended Circular No. 23/2018/TT-BNNPTNT on fisheries vessel registrars, accreditation of ship registration facilities, technical safety of fishing and inspection vessels, vessel registration and deregistration, and vessel marking into Circular No. 06/2024/TT-BNNPTNT, thereby tightening oversight of the fishing fleet in a more comprehensive and thorough manner.

Each amendment addresses existing gaps and creates new progress in fisheries management aligned with international standards. This forms a solid legal foundation to guide Vietnam’s fisheries sector toward greater transparency and sustainability.

The Party and the government have also strengthened their directives. Following Document No. 81-CV/TW dated March 20, 2020, issued by the Standing Secretariat of the Party Central Committee on enhancing leadership and guidance for the effective implementation of IUU fishing prevention, came Directive No. 32-CT/TW dated April 10, 2024, from the Party Secretariat on strengthening the Party’s leadership in combating IUU fishing and promoting the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. This was followed by Resolution No. 52/NQ-CP of the Government, which issued the Government’s Action Program and Plan to implement Directive No. 32-CT/TW dated April 10, 2024. In addition, Resolution No. 04/2024/NQ-HĐTP, dated June 12, 2024, of the Council of Judges of the Supreme People’s Court, provided guidance on applying certain provisions of the Penal Code regarding criminal liability for acts related to the illegal exploitation, trade, and transportation of aquatic products, effective from August 1, 2024.

This series of directives affirms that combating IUU fishing is a vital political task, closely tied to national honor and credibility. It also reflects Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to the international community.

Increasingly complete legal framework, tighter institutions

When EC issued the “yellow card” warning in October 2017, it was not only a cautionary signal but also a turning point that compelled Vietnam to take more decisive action in fisheries management.

Recognizing this as both a major challenge and an opportunity for reform, in 2019 the Government issued Decision No. 596/QD-TTg establishing the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing. The establishment of this committee not only demonstrated strong political determination but also reflected a methodical and organized approach in Vietnam’s efforts to have the “yellow card” lifted.

Since its establishment, the Steering Committee has held 14 official meetings. The consistent practice of regular reviews demonstrates a resolute stance, with no tolerance for delays. Each meeting is not only a venue for assessment but also a mechanism to drive concrete actions from the central to the local level.

The 14th meeting, held on September 23, 2025, brought together government leaders, ministries, sectors, and 21 coastal provinces and cities. The serious and focused working atmosphere reflected the highest level of determination across all levels. This shows that efforts to lift the “yellow card” are not confined to words on paper but are being translated into tangible actions.

According to assessments at the meeting, fisheries have remained one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors in recent years. Nearly eight years after implementing measures against IUU fishing and recommendations to lift the card warning, along with directives from the Party Secretariat and the Government, the National Steering Committee has convened 14 meetings, carried out multiple inspection missions in localities, and advised the issuance of one directive by the Party Secretariat, two directives and eight telegrams by the Prime Minister.

In recent times, ministries, sectors, and localities have made significant efforts to implement the directives of the Party Central Committee, Government, and Prime Minister. With strong political will from the central to the local level, the legal and institutional framework has been consolidated and improved. Authorities have strengthened management, inspection, and supervision through technological and administrative measures; strictly handled violations to prevent recurrence; enhanced education, communication, and outreach to fishermen; ensured tighter and more effective coordination among agencies and localities; promoted aquaculture development to reduce capture fishing; and fostered production and business activities to create sustainable livelihoods for the people.

According to EU assessments, the completion of legal regulations on combating IUU fishing, fleet management, and seafood traceability has basically met the requirements to date. The Council of Judges of the Supreme People’s Court issued Resolution No. 04/2024, which stipulates the criminal handling of certain IUU fishing violations. This demonstrates the increasing strictness of enforcement and creates a real deterrent effect.

Figures that speak about profound change

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as of June 30, 2025, 81,719 fishing vessels nationwide had been registered and updated in the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase). This figure not only reflects comprehensiveness in management but also highlights efforts to ensure transparency in fishing activities.

Localities are urgently reviewing, compiling, updating, and synchronizing fishing vessel data with the national population database; some provinces, such as An Giang and Ca Mau, have already completed the process of vessel identification. This enables competent authorities to exercise stricter control over vessels that do not meet operating conditions, laying the foundation for eliminating potential violations at their root.

Currently, Vietnam has equipped 28,164 fishing vessels measuring 15 meters or more in length with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), reaching 99.06%. This marks an essential step toward the digitalization and transparency of fisheries management.

Beyond that, localities conduct weekly reviews and update lists of vessels at high risk of IUU violations based on VMS data, enabling authorities to focus on inspection, monitoring, and sanctioning where necessary. Every day, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment provides lists of vessels operating near maritime boundaries or losing VMS connection close to foreign waters, so that local authorities can contact vessel owners and captains to issue warnings and prevent boundary-crossing or IUU fishing.

At the same time, the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT) has been rolled out at 94 designated landing points, up 32 from the same period in 2024. This is strong evidence of substantive progress in controlling the seafood supply chain from the very first stage.

According to Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, Director General of the Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance Department, data systems such as VMS and VNFishbase are now connected and shared with various enforcement bodies including the police, border guards, coast guard, and both central and local fisheries surveillance units. Shared data is being used at fishing ports to check and monitor vessels upon landing. Logbook inspections and verification of fishing journeys now take only 5-10 minutes per vessel, as officers can cross-check voyage data, fishing coordinates, and catch volumes against electronic declarations.

5 comprehensive objectives for a sustainable fisheries sector

In a recent meeting with EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier, Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang emphasized that Vietnam–EU cooperation has achieved important results, especially in agriculture, sustainable development, and environmental protection. He highlighted EU support in climate change projects, sustainable agriculture, and ecological transition.

Addressing IUU fishing - a complex challenge spanning 21 coastal provinces, he stressed that Vietnam has tightened fishing license management and hopes the EU will recognize these efforts, supporting the lifting of the “yellow card” in 2025. He also expressed Vietnam’s wish to learn from EU experiences in climate action, sustainable forestry, urban pollution reduction, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions.

The Acting Minister noted: "We always wish to maintain frank exchanges, resolve obstacles, and share good practices to elevate our partnership to new heights."

At the highest level of government, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has underscored the need to develop the fisheries sector in a sustainable, strategic way that contributes to national development and improves people’s livelihoods.

He stressed that recent global developments continue to affect Vietnam’s markets, supply chains, and economic growth. Since fisheries are tied not only to the economy but also to sovereignty, livelihoods, and national reputation, Vietnam must not remain passive. Instead, the country must act with high determination, strong efforts, innovative thinking, and decisive action to resolve the IUU issue as swiftly as possible.

Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam must adopt a fundamental, methodical, holistic, and comprehensive approach rather than piecemeal or reactive measures, to address negative issues in the fisheries sector for the long-term, sustainable, and effective benefit of the country, the people, and especially fishermen. Such efforts also contribute to safeguarding national independence and sovereignty at sea, while protecting the reputation, honor, and intellect of Vietnam, and ensuring stable jobs and sustainable livelihoods that improve both the material and spiritual well-being of fishing communities.

The Prime Minister stressed that developing the fisheries sector in general and combating IUU fishing in particular is urgent, vital, and ongoing, with long-term significance for sustainability. This is the responsibility of the entire political system, society at large, and all stakeholders, first and foremost Party committees, local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and especially those in leadership positions.

In this spirit, Prime Minister outlined five comprehensive and overarching objectives for the coming period: Reestablish order in fleet management with strict, lawful, and disciplined oversight. Develop an offshore fishery sector that is sustainable, safe, long-term, and consistent with international law, closely linked to production, trade, and the people's livelihoods. Transition the fisheries sector from a primary reliance on offshore capture to a focus on nearshore aquaculture and processing, thereby creating safer jobs and livelihoods for fishermen, protecting marine resources and the environment, safeguarding maritime sovereignty, and improving both material and spiritual life for coastal communities. Safeguard the image, reputation, and honor of the Vietnamese nation and people. Resolve to have the IUU “yellow card” lifted in 2025.

Lifting the IUU “yellow card” is not only a goal but also a testament to Vietnam’s commitment to preserving healthy oceans, developing a responsible fisheries sector, and advancing deeper international integration. Vietnam hopes the EU will soon remove this warning not only to safeguard fishermen’s livelihoods, but also to jointly promote a fisheries industry that is sustainable, transparent, and responsible, serving the shared interests of both sides.