HCMC resolute in criminally handling fishing vessels violating IUU regulations

"There are no exceptions, no forbidden zones in handling IUU violations," affirmed Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, when directing the fight against IUU fishing. With the spirit of acting "regularly, rigorously, and in accordance with the law," Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is demonstrating its highest determination to join hands with the nation to lift the IUU "yellow card," shifting from communication and reminders to criminal enforcement of deliberate violations.

As of now, Ho Chi Minh City has initiated criminal proceedings in nine cases related to IUU fishing violations. Among them, six cases have been tried and concluded, two have been transferred to the People’s Procuracy for prosecution, and one new case was initiated in October 2025. All cases have been tried in public mobile court sessions held directly in residential areas with a large fishing community, thereby enhancing deterrence and strengthening legal education within the community.

Colonel Tran Xuan Khanh, Head of the Operations Division of the Ho Chi Minh City Border Guard Command, stated, "The city has directed strict handling of all IUU-related violations, including organizing fishing vessels and crew to fish in foreign waters illegally. Any case with sufficient criminal elements will be criminally prosecuted and publicly tried."

In addition to strong legal measures, HCMC has also paid special attention to communication and awareness-raising among fishermen. Mr. Bui Minh Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, stressed, "This factor is considered the fundamental solution to effectively prevent repeated IUU violations."

Community-based models such as "Breakfast with Fishermen" and "Morning Coffee with Fishermen" are regularly maintained in coastal communes, allowing border guards and local governments to directly listen to fishermen's concerns, share their difficulties, and communicate IUU-related regulations in a friendly and effective manner. Fishermen's concerns are also captured more promptly by competent authorities, allowing for quicker and more effective resolution of their difficulties.

Thanks to the close combination of deterrence, communication, and livelihood support, the number of Ho Chi Minh City's fishing vessels violating foreign waters has significantly and sustainably declined year by year. Since early 2025, no fishing vessel has been detained by foreign authorities.

In parallel with criminal measures, HCMC has also intensified administrative penalties for IUU violations. According to Ms. Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, since 2024, functional agencies have sanctioned 182 violations related to IUU fishing, with total fines of over VND 6.7 billion. Close coordination and swift responses from functional forces have enabled Ho Chi Minh City to achieve one of the highest compliance rates nationwide in fishermen reporting to shore stations when vessel monitoring devices lose connection.

"We closely coordinate with local governments. Whenever a vessel loses its connection signal, shore station officers immediately call or visit the vessel owner's home to request troubleshooting and reconnection of the device," emphasized Ms. Na.

The simultaneous application of both administrative and criminal measures has created a strong deterrent effect in Ho Chi Minh City, compelling vessel owners and captains to improve their legal compliance and end the long-standing issue of IUU fishing.

The two cases pending indictment include the case of vessel BV 93481-TS, captained by Cao Van Luyen, which brought nine crew members into Indonesian waters and was detained in 2024, and the case of Nguyen Van Minh, who operated vessel BD 93150-TS from Binh Dinh for illegal fishing. Both cases have been investigated, concluded, and transferred to the Procuracy.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment and Standing Deputy Head of the HCMC Steering Committee for Combating IUU Fishing, the drastic handling of these cases demonstrates the city's determination to deter and strictly punish organized illegal fishing activities in foreign waters. It is also evidence for the EC to recognize Vietnam's efforts in combating IUU fishing.