Removing the ‘IUU yellow card’ by synchronizing fishing vessels’ data and controlling seafood exploitation output

As per the Department of Fisheries (MARD), after the 4th inspection, the European Commission (EC) acknowledged that Vietnam has achieved 100% compliance in installing vessel monitor systems (VMS) on fishing vessels measuring 15 meters or longer. Nevertheless, Vietnam's fishing sector has certain deficiencies and constraints. Significant problems exist with fishing vessels experiencing disruptions in their communication with tracking devices, the ability to trace the source of illegally harvested seafood, and instances of fishing vessels trespassing into other waters.

Many disconnections occur often, however, the outcomes of verification and punishment remain highly restricted. The absence of consequences in several instances, resulting from inadequate justifications, is unconvincing and leads to the poor implementation of legal requirements.

The Fisheries Department has created and put into operation an electronic seafood traceability system (eCDT). This system aims to achieve data synchronization regarding fishing vessel activities, regulate the seafood production resulting from exploitation, and oversee the verification and certification of origins at fishing ports, fisheries departments, as well as purchasing, processing, and exporting firms. This guarantees the clarity and compliance of seafood goods that are being exported.

Furthermore, any breaches in the verification and authentication of the source of seafood will be meticulously examined, traced, and dealt with rigorously to discourage such actions at all relevant levels. The incidents of "fish laundering" identified during the fourth inspection, which involved export shipments breaking IUU regulations to the European market, will be specifically addressed. The companies involved in these cases are T&H Co., Ltd., Thinh Hung Co., Ltd., and Cat Tien Co., Ltd., together with associated ports, organizations, and individuals.

According to Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, the Director of the Fisheries Department, the eCDT system has been installed and guided at numerous fishing ports and will be further improved and deployed consistently across the entire country. In the future, there will be initiatives to promote the adoption of traceability software on tablets among vessel owners. In addition, fishing ports and provincial Departments of Fisheries will provide guidance and support to firms in utilizing this software to synchronize data, thereby assuring transparency.

Mr. Luan suggests that coastal municipalities should exchange their knowledge on effectively penalizing and classifying fishing vessels that lose connection. He also recommends providing accurate data on the number of idle or parked vessels to develop suitable solutions. Maritime vessels are required to adhere strictly to regulations while operating at sea.

Mr. Tran Dinh Luan proposed that IUU teams stationed at fishing ports should promptly inform local authorities whenever unauthorized vessels land at various locations. This would ensure that inspections are coordinated and enforcement measures are consistently applied across all ports.

"Vessels listed as high-risk or those reported by local authorities for violations must undergo thorough inspections and be closely coordinated with maritime law enforcement agencies such as the Border Guard, Coast Guard, and Fisheries Surveillance to ensure strict compliance," said Mr. Luan.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) provided a report on the execution of measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as the successful resolution of the European Commission's "yellow card" warning. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), in its role as the designated agency of the National Steering Committee on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, arranged a meeting between a working group and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG-Mare) of the European Commission (EC) in Belgium. The purpose of the meeting, which took place from April 22-26, 2024, was to assess the progress made in implementing the EC's recommendations after the fourth inspection conducted in October 2023.

After reviewing actual outcomes and engaging in discussions with the EC, it is evident that the EC acknowledges and values Vietnam's diligent endeavors in carrying out the EC's suggestions as part of the fourth inspection in October 2023. These endeavors encompass finalizing the legislative structure and enhancing fleet management, traceability, and the enforcement of penalties for IUU infractions.

It is crucial to avoid and address the issue of fishing vessels engaging in unlawful fishing in foreign waters. Stronger penalties, such as disabling the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), should be imposed for violations of illicit, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly in cases of illegal fishing in foreign waters. Simultaneously, swiftly coordinating and consolidating the eCDT.

The European Commission demonstrates goodwill and supports the elimination of the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) yellow card for Vietnam. However, to guarantee the effectiveness of persuasion, it is crucial to immediately and decisively address the existing deficiencies and limits at the local level. This will lead to good advancements in the implementation of Decree No.37 and Decree No.38 of the Government, which came into effect on May 19.

The European Commission (EC) requires the submission of updates and progress reports on the prevention and control of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Additionally, the EC expects the implementation of its recommendations to be completed by September 15. These updates and progress reports will be used to assess the implementation and determine the timing for the fifth inspection in Vietnam, to remove the yellow card on a practical basis.