Quang Ninh synchronizes measures to combat IUU fishing, strengthening the EC's confidence

Currently, Quang Ninh's fisheries sector not only has opportunities for growth but also faces the pressure of addressing the "yellow card" warning of the European Commission (EC). Strict enforcement of directives from the Central Committee and the Government on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has become an urgent task. This task aims to safeguard sea and island sovereignty and preserve the reputation of Vietnamese seafood products in international markets.

In August 2025, Quang Ninh intensified efforts to implement management, monitoring, and law enforcement measures. The province currently has 4,267 fishing vessels of 6 meters or longer fully registered and updated in the VNfishbase system, achieving a 100% completion rate. The licensing rate for fishing activities has reached 96%, while 86.9% of vessels have valid registrations. Notably, all 274 fishing vessels with a length of 15 meters or more have been equipped with a vessel monitoring system (VMS), maintaining 100% compliance.

Monitoring of landing volumes at ports has also made significant progress. In August 2025, the total controlled catch reached 1,325 tons, a sharp increase compared to July. The electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) system has been implemented at Cai Rong Port (Van Don Special Administrative Region), laying the foundation for transparency throughout the value chain from exploitation to consumption.

In addition to management efforts, strict law enforcement has been carried out. During the month, functional forces detected and handled 54 violation cases, imposing fines totaling over VND 765 million. Since the beginning of the year, 377 cases have been handled, contributing more than VND 4.8 billion to the budget.

However, challenges remain. Some commune- and ward-level localities continue to struggle with catch monitoring and fail to submit timely reports. Risks of fishing vessels operating near demarcation lines, potentially violating foreign waters, still exist. These "hot spots" must be thoroughly addressed if Quang Ninh wishes to strengthen confidence with the EC and the international community.

According to Mr. Do Dinh Minh, Head of the Quang Ninh Marine, Island, Fisheries, and Fisheries Surveillance Sub-Department, from a management perspective, the most noteworthy achievement is the shift in fishermen's awareness. Public awareness campaigns have gradually helped them understand that combating IUU fishing is not only to have the "yellow card" lifted but also to protect their own sustainable livelihoods.

Quang Ninh continues to maintain peak inspection and patrol campaigns at sea, resolutely handling violations such as operating without registration, lacking licenses, or losing VMS connection. The province is also urgently completing the criteria needed to soon announce the opening of Cai Rong Fishing Port as a type II port, making it a focal point of provincial catch monitoring and traceability. At the same time, preparations for welcoming the EC's fifth inspection delegation have been identified as a key task, requiring that all data and reports must clearly demonstrate real, substantive results rather than mere formality.

The fight against IUU fishing is not merely a short-term campaign but a process of building a modern fisheries governance system. Every figure on registered fishing vessels, every data recorded in the eCDT system, and every strict penalty decision serves as a brick laying the foundation for the future. Quang Ninh today is asserting its pioneering role nationwide in implementing anti-IUU measures, not only to protect seafood export interests but also to safeguard sea and island sovereignty and preserve aquatic resources for future generations.

*USD 1 = VND 26,183 (Source: Vietcombank)