Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan affirmed at a recent meeting with Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries at the European Commission (EC), Virginijus Sinkevičius, in Brussels that Vietnam is determined to do its best to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing towards establishing a sustainable fishing industry.

Vietnam sees the EC’s “yellow card” on IUU fishing not only as a challenge but also an opportunity for the local fisheries sector to switch from a small-scale, tropical, multi-sector, multi-species industry to a responsible and sustainable industry, the Minister said.

He emphasized that Vietnam has seen positive results in implementing EC recommendations on IUU fishing, including greater awareness and resolute action in implementing legal provisions and its recommendations on prevention and control at all levels and sectors and in fishing communities, businesses, and society.

A comprehensive legal framework to manage fisheries and combat IUU fishing has been formed with the promulgation of the Law on Fisheries and the management of fishing vessels has significantly improved, with a national database on vessels created and in operation.

A national database on administrative violations in the fisheries sector is also in place, with data links from central authorities to localities with border guards, coast guard forces, or port management agencies. Over 98 per cent of fishing vessels have now installed tracking devices. The number of vessels violating foreign waters has fallen significantly since 2015.

Mr. Sinkevičius said the EC wants Vietnam to develop its fisheries industry sustainably as a model for the world. He added that Vietnam’s legal framework on fishing management and anti-IUU fishing meets international standards.