Prime Minister: Fight IUU fisheries for the good of the nation

Efforts recognized but results not as anticipated

On October 7, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted the Conference on Promoting Solutions for Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, while preparing to welcome and work with the 4th European Commission Inspection.

The Prime Minister opined that efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have received a great deal of attention in recent years and have yielded a number of positive results, as evidenced by the strengthening of the legal corridor and the improvement of institutions; the implementation of technological and administrative measures... to strengthen fishing vessel management suited to each local situation; the control of offshore exploitation; and the implementation of relatively severe measures to deal with violations, including criminal sanctions. The results of implementing the struggle against IUU fishing have changed following three cycles of inspection by the EC.

Nonetheless, there are still numerous limitations and deficiencies that must be addressed in the near future; According to the instruction of the Prime Minister, there are still many duties that are being completed slowly. The results have not been as anticipated, and there is still much work to be done, such as addressing the situation of fishing vessels and fishermen who engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in foreign waters.

Be consistent in efforts to combat illegal fishing

The Prime Minister stated, "Fishing has long been a means of subsistence for fishermen. Therefore, the transformation is not something that can be accomplished in one or two days, but we must be consistent."

The Prime Minister emphasized that the consistent policy of the Party and State is to be persistent and steadfast in combating IUU exploitation, protecting the ocean, seafood resources, and sustainable development; closely integrating marine economic development with the protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty; and respecting international law.

Stating that fighting IUU fishing is first and foremost for the benefit of the nation and the people, the Prime Minister requested to continuously elevate people's awareness in law enforcement, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In addition, create livelihoods and ensure employment for people, with the goal of increasing farming and processing and decreasing wild fishing; Implement the recommendations of countries and organizations regarding seafood exploitation; Prevent the emergence of new problems and the occurrence of IUU exploitation.

In this spirit, the Prime Minister requests that the heads of relevant departments, ministries, branches, and localities unify their awareness, focus on leadership, direction, and decisive action to carry out the task of anti-IUU fishing, urgently complete the elimination of deficiencies and limitations, and effectively implement tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing.

Concentrate on implementing robust measures

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development continues to organize working groups to inspect, encourage, and direct localities in their efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; especially coordinating and supporting localities in welcoming and working with the EC Inspection Team in a fair, objective, and responsible manner, ensuring the best results, with the goal of removing the "yellow card" warning as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that "Localities must cooperate, be frank, honest, humble, ask for advice, listen, and not react to get the best results during the EC inspection."

The Prime Minister also requested the People's Committees of coastal provinces and cities and all levels of government, particularly the local level, to promote production and business, including planning, aquaculture, and seafood production, creating jobs and stable, long-term livelihoods for people, while fishing activities must follow the direction of sustainable development; communicate, educate, and encourage fishermen to operate in accordance with Vietnamese and international law.

Localities coordinate closely with the Ministry of National Defense and relevant ministries and branches to focus on implementing strong and determined measures to prevent local fishing vessels from engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in foreign waters; attach implementation results to the responsibility of party committee chairs, authorities at all levels, and functional forces.

The Prime Minister requested that the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporting and Processing, associations, and businesses continue to work together and assist the political system and competent agencies in implementing IUU regulations, avoiding the purchase, processing, and export of aquatic products originating from IUU.

The Prime Minister stated that fishermen must promote civic awareness and responsibility in living and working in accordance with the Constitution and the law, contributing to environmental protection, and promoting civic obligations in international relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang was tasked with directly directing, and the Prime Minister called for the sense of responsibility and action of all levels and sectors in the fight against IUU fishing, particularly the leaders, particularly at the grassroots level - where fishermen are directly managed.

In 2023 and subsequent years, the Prime Minister proposed using this criterion to evaluate the administration, management, and classification of officials at all levels.

The Prime Minister emphasized once more that it is necessary to perform public duties with utmost seriousness, to deal resolutely with infractions but to sympathize with people's difficulties, and to have reasonable methods of doing things that are suited to the circumstances and conditions of each locality. The most important thing is to take care of and support people's livelihoods, while simultaneously promoting their awareness and sense of responsibility, averting a focus on short-term benefits while ignoring long-term benefits and a focus on individual interests while ignoring collective, national interests.

The EC Inspection Team will be in Vietnam between October 10 and 18 

The EC Inspection Team is expected to be in Vietnam from October 10 to October 18. Specifically, the delegation will arrive in Vietnam on October 10.

- On October 11-15, the delegation will work with the Department of Animal Health, the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development, a number of export enterprises, and conduct field inspections at designated fishing ports under the Agreement on Measures port state legislation (PSMA) and locally.

- On the 16th and 17th of October, technical work will be conducted with the Department of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Department of Animal Health, Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development, and other affiliated units.

- On October 18, the delegation met with executives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for a high-level discussion. On the afternoon of October 18, it is anticipated that the delegation will be received by Government Leaders and the Head of the National Steering Committee for IUU Prevention and Control.