Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has called for the rapid completion of a comprehensive national fisheries management database to strengthen monitoring of fishing activities and demonstrate Vietnam’s determination to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He made the demand while chairing the 19th meeting of the National Steering Committee for Combating IUU Fishing, which was connected with 21 coastal provinces and cities via teleconferencing, on October 28.
The Deputy PM stressed that developing a unified and transparent fisheries database is a top priority to meet the European Commission (EC)’s recommendations and ensure sustainable development of Vietnam’s fisheries industry.
Ha tasked the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) with working closely with Viettel, VNPT, and related agencies and localities to integrate all relevant information – from vessel registration and voyage monitoring to law enforcement records and origin certification – into a single platform.
This database must be "accurate, sufficient, clean, and live," serving as a foundation for transparent management, he said, adding that it will also be a key source of reference in negotiations with the EC.
He directed the ministry to promptly issue standards for qualified fishing ports, so localities can review their port lists, coordinate with port operators, and clearly define docking and departure points for vessels.
The Deputy PM also urged the ministry to prepare a detailed plan for upcoming talks with the EC, ensuring that explanations and proposed solutions are consistent across central and local levels. The plan should clearly define the responsibilities of all relevant sides, from the PM, Deputy PMs, and ministers to law enforcement forces and 21 coastal localities.
Reports presented at the meeting showed positive progress in fisheries management. Since the previous meeting on October 21, the MAE has issued new regulations on the operation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS), electronic fishing logbooks, and tracing solutions for seafood exports, aiming to ensure coordinated, constant, and efficient monitoring and put an end to origin frauds.
Localities have been guided to complete vessel registration, licensing, and inspection, with data uploaded to the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase). As of now, 80,132 out of 80,273 vessels nationwide have been registered and had their information updated on the system, with 77,017 granted fishing licences – equivalent to 96.1% of the total.
Authorities have also stepped up law enforcement. Since October 1, police have initiated investigations into 19 criminal cases involving 27 defendants for IUU fishing violations. Administrative penalties have also been imposed for disrupting VMS connection or crossing maritime boundaries.
At the same time, Vietnam has been expanding international cooperation. MAE officials are currently joining a delegation in a visit to Malaysia to discuss cooperation in sustainable marine exploitation and IUU fishing combat.
The MAE called on other ministries and localities to focus resources on the month-long campaign against IUU fishing and to continue long-term efforts to sustainably develop the fisheries sector. These include installing VMS devices on smaller vessels, digitising vessel identities linked with personal codes (VNeID), piloting electronic logbooks for vessels at least 12m long, dismantling unqualified fishing boats, and providing livehoood support for fishermen.
On communication, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported that it has launched a comprehensive campaign targeting local communities, domestic media, and international audiences to give updates about Vietnam’s strong commitment and progress in tackling IUU fishing.
Deputy PM Ha commended ministries and localities for their proactive measures, from improving policies and applying technology to tightening on-site inspections.
He added Vietnam's recent cooperation with Malaysia reflects its substantive approach to fisheries cooperation to prevent infringements of each other's waters and ensure adherence to international law and relevant countries' regulations, and that this aspect should be included in the report sent to the EC./.
Vietnam intensifies efforts to have EC’s IUU “yellow card” lifted
With strong government direction, close coordination among ministries and localities, and visible progress in management, surveillance, and handling of violations, Vietnam is steadily advancing toward having the EC’s “yellow card” lifted and developing a modern, responsible, and sustainable fisheries sector that contributes to marine economic growth and international integration.
