Hanoi (VNA) - More than 28,000 fishing vessels nationwide have been equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Localities are also intensifying measures to strictly address violations involving boundary crossings and illegal operations at sea.
As part of the nationwide peak month of action against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and efforts to develop Vietnam’s fisheries sector sustainably, provinces and cities across the country last week simultaneously launched a campaign to tighten control of fishing fleets, handle violations, and accelerate the digitalisation of fisheries data.
These activities are not only urgent steps needed to have the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood removed, but also key measures toward building a modern, sustainable and responsible maritime economy.
After nearly eight years of persistent efforts from policy adjustments to enforcement practices Vietnam has demonstrated a strong political commitment and synchronised engagement from administrations at all levels in addressing the EC’s IUU warning.
In early October, EC Vice-President Kaja Kallas acknowledged Vietnam’s significant progress in combating IUU fishing and indicated that an EC inspection team is expected to visit Vietnam in November 2025.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien said that to meet the EC’s requirements for developing a stable, sustainable fisheries sector that reflects the nation’s credibility and reputation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed ministries, sectors and coastal localities to strictly comply with all directives of the Party and Government. These include completing the review and settlement of outstanding cases, particularly those related to VMS disconnections and violations of foreign waters, by October 31, 2025.
The peak month of action, he noted, marks a critical period for the fisheries sector to implement urgent solutions, especially addressing bottlenecks in handling VMS-related violations.
To date, more than 28,000 vessels, representing over 99% of those required by law, have installed VMS devices. Local enforcement forces have strengthened measures to deter and penalise intentional disconnections of VMS, transboundary fishing, and incursions into foreign waters.
Many provinces and cities are displaying a strong commitment to resolve violations, apply technology and digital transformation tools such as the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), and advance efforts to have the IUU yellow card lifted.
Ca Mau, which has one of the country’s largest fishing fleets, has deployed multiple measures to enhance fleet management, trace violations and ensure strict enforcement.
According to Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau People’s Committee Le Van Su, as of October 30, the province had 5,230 active fishing vessels, including 1,942 vessels with a length of 15 metres or more those required to install VMS. All vessels in this category have completed installation. Cases of signal loss are promptly identified, traced and handled through digital processes.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien praised Ca Mau’s strong commitment, noting that the province’s performance carries substantial weight in Vietnam’s overall efforts to have the yellow card lifted. He requested Ca Mau continue its review and tracing of violations, strengthen administrative discipline and ensure transparent, up-to-date fisheries data.
Driven by the goal of protecting marine resources and upholding national reputation, Gia Lai province on October 27 issued its action plan for the peak month of IUU combat and sustainable fisheries development.
Under the plan, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment will lead coordination with relevant agencies and local authorities to review, develop and enforce necessary mechanisms and policies, with completion required before November 15, 2025.
Regarding fleet management, relevant departments must, by November 15, ensure a full and accurate database of all vessels, including their registration, licensing and inspection status. They must also confirm transferred or decommissioned vessels, out-of-province operations, and compliance with VMS installation requirements. Vessels that do not meet legal conditions will be prohibited from operating.
The province’s fishing port authorities must inspect and control 100% of vessels entering and leaving ports, while Border Guard units must conduct comprehensive checks at all border posts and wharves to ensure only eligible vessels permitted to go to the sea.
Newly-formed Lam Dong after merging with Binh Thuan and Dak Nong provinces has also had a large fishing vessel fleet. With thousands of vessels operating regularly at sea, the province has made fleet management, vessel registration and VMS monitoring a high priority.
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, hundreds of vessels are active mainly in nearshore and inshore waters, though some have not completed registration or licensing procedures. Several vessels have lost VMS connections since 2024 due to ownership transfers, inactivity or failure to maintain devices.
Determined to join national efforts to remove the yellow card, Lam Dong’s coastal localities and enforcement forces are implementing synchronised solutions, from data review and statistics to assisting fishermen with legal documentation. Many localities have launched intensive campaigns to help vessel owners renew or update registration and licensing, aiming for full completion in 2025. Inspections and monitoring of vessel operations have been tightened, with strict prohibition on vessels failing to meet regulations from leaving port or operating beyond permitted fishing grounds./.
