Hanoi (VNA) - To implement action month against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Vietnam’s fisheries sector, coastal provinces and cities across the country have deployed inspections, control of fishing fleets, strict penalties for violations, and accelerated digitalisation of fisheries data.
These efforts are not only essential for lifting the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” warning but also represent an important step towards building a modern, sustainable and responsible maritime economy.
Tightening fleet management, handling violations
After nearly eight years of persistent efforts and reforms from policy to enforcement, Vietnam has demonstrated political determination and a unified approach in addressing the EC’s IUU recommendations.
In early October, EC Vice-President Kaja Kallas acknowledged Vietnam’s notable progress in combating IUU fishing and confirmed that an IUU inspection mission will visit Vietnam in November 2025.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien, to meet the EC’s requirements for developing a stable and sustainable fisheries sector and to uphold the country’s reputation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed ministries and coastal localities at the 18th meeting of the National Steering Committee on IUU Fishing Combat to strictly follow government guidance.
This includes reviewing and definitively resolving backlogged cases related to vessels losing VMS connection or violating foreign waters before October 31, 2025.
Tien emphasised that the peak action month is a crucial period for the fisheries sector to implement measures, particularly resolving VMS-related violations.
To date, more than 28,000 fishing vessels nationwide or over 99% of those required have installed VMS. Local authorities have increased enforcement to address cases of intentional disconnection, boundary violations and illegal incursions into foreign waters.
Notably, many provinces are demonstrating strong resolve by handling violations, applying digital tools such as the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), and enhancing fisheries data digitalisation.
In Ca Mau, for example, the province has implemented a series of measures to tighten fleet control and trace and penalise infringements.
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 of at least 15 metres in length, 100% of which have VMS installed. All cases of signal loss have been recorded, traced and handled through digital procedures.
Localities aim to meet deadline before November 15
The Gia Lai People’s Committee issued its action plan for the peak month against IUU on October 27, targeting sustainable fisheries development.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment was assigned to coordinate with relevant agencies and communal authorities to develop and enforce policies, aiming for completion before November 15, 2025.
Authorities are working to accurately verify vessel status and strictly ban unqualified vessels from fishing. Fishing ports and Border Guard units are required to conduct 100% inspections of vessel arrivals and departures.
Lam Dong, formed after merging with Ninh Thuan and Dak Nong provinces, now manages a large offshore fleet in the South Central Coast–Central Highlands region. With thousands of vessels operating across various fishing grounds, the province has prioritised vessel registration, licensing, and VMS compliance.
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, several vessels have yet to complete registration procedures or renew their licences. Some have lost VMS connection between 2024 and 2025 due to ownership transfers, inactivity, or overdue maintenance.
The province is assisting fishermen in updating legal documents and aims to complete all registration and licensing processes within 2025. Inspections have been strengthened, with unqualified vessels barred from going to sea or operating beyond authorised waters./.
