Leveraging all tools to combat IUU fishing

During the session, delegates reviewed the implementation of IUU prevention tasks assigned to various ministries and local governments. The consistent objective remains treating IUU prevention as a central political task, both urgent and long-term, to achieve a "dual goal": removing the European Commission’s (EC) "yellow card" warning and restructuring the national fisheries sector toward a sustainable, legal, and transparent model. This transformation aims to shift the industry from wild-capture fishing to aquaculture and processing while strengthening international cooperation.

According to reports presented at the meeting, positive results were achieved over the past week as ministries and local authorities continued to follow the directives of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Head of the Steering Committee.

Notably, the total number of registered fishing vessels in the Vnfishbase system has reached 100 percent, with 79,231 vessels recorded. Furthermore, traceability efforts are being actively deployed for both domestic and imported seafood, and no Vietnamese fishing vessels were reported seized for violating foreign waters during this period.

In terms of enforcement, the Khanh Hoa Provincial Police have officially initiated legal proceedings against T&H Nha Trang Co., Ltd. and Thinh Hung Co., Ltd. regarding the handling of swordfish shipments flagged by the EC. While communication efforts regarding Vietnam’s IUU combat initiatives have been intensified, the Prime Minister noted that several tasks have yet to meet the required quality standards or deadlines. He emphasized that all relevant agencies must uphold the highest level of responsibility and called for a more decisive, rapid "war" on IUU fishing. He demanded an end to bureaucratic formalities and the avoidance of responsibility, insisting that every task must be completed.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a stern reminder to Ministers, sector heads, and Chairmen of coastal provincial People’s Committees. He demanded they rectify shortcomings and clarify the causes of delays, with accountability addressed according to Party regulations and State laws.

Specifically, he cited Regulation 366-QD/TW regarding the evaluation and classification of collectives and individuals. On the basis of these reviews, the Government Inspectorate will investigate and individualize responsibility in localities that have been slow to manage their fishing fleets and residents.

Directives were also issued to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to reconcile data on detained Vietnamese vessels and fishermen with relevant countries to provide a basis for domestic prosecution of human smuggling rings. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, led by Minister Tran Duc Thang, was directed to provide unified guidance for reporting and to finalize a comprehensive progress report for the EC.

This report must be accurate and backed by verifiable data to maintain close contact with European authorities.

Security and defense forces are expected to play a critical role in this intensified campaign. The Ministry of National Defense will maintain patrols in border waters to bar any ship that does not meet legal requirements from departing.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Public Security will accelerate investigations into brokerage rings organizing illegal overseas fishing and fraudulent documentation in the supply chain. Local authorities in coastal provinces must also strictly enforce registration and licensing, particularly for "three-no" vessels, while monitoring all port activity to resolve cases of VMS disconnection or border violations.

A significant focus was placed on the economic transition of fishing communities. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted that currently, only 7 out of 22 coastal provinces have issued policies to assist fishermen in transitioning to new careers.

He mandated that the remaining 15 provinces must finalize and issue these career transition policies within five days to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Emphasizing that the government is prepared to provide additional resources, funding, and legal frameworks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh concluded that with the tools already available, any failure to succeed rests squarely with the management.