A European Commission (EC) delegation is scheduled to conduct a fifth inspection in Vietnam during May regarding the country’s fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. This marks a critical juncture for the seafood industry’s hopes of having the EC’s “yellow card” warning on such practices removed. In this context, the Party Central Committee recently issued a directive urging the entire political apparatus to comprehensively and actively address the issue.

As per a report from the Directorate of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, fines totaling over VND90 billion ($3.9 million) were levied on IUU fishing violations from the beginning of 2023 until the end of March 2024. Specifically, fines exceeding VND8 billion ($314,000) were imposed for illegal fishing activities in foreign waters, over VND29 billion ($1.14 million) for breaches related to the installation or non-installation of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices, and more than VND53 billion ($2.08 million) for violations concerning registration and licensing and other infractions.

Positive steps

According to Mr. Duong Van Cuong, Deputy Chief of Vietnam Fisheries Surveillance at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, there have been significant developments in recent times. Four cases of intermediaries facilitating illegal fishing in foreign waters have been investigated, with one in the Mekong Delta’s Kien Giang province already going to trial. Efforts to finalize documentation on the remaining cases are still underway.

From October 1, 2023, when the fourth EC inspection was concluded, to March 30, 2024, significant progress was made in addressing violations by fishing vessels over 24 meters in length. Detection results during the period found that the number of operating vessels losing their VMS connection for more than ten days while at sea stood at 115; much lower than the 442 detected in the previous inspection. Meanwhile, 2,200 other vessels were found to have lost their VMS connection for over six hours.

Regarding seafood traceability regulations, Mr. Cuong emphasized the strict monitoring of catches during unloading at all ports, including private ones. This focus extends to vessels over 15 meters, targeting tuna, swordfish, and sailfish, as well as logistics support vessels engaged in fishing activities.

All information pertaining to seafood traceability and daily unloading at ports has been regularly updated for the EC inspection team’s monitoring. Since January this year, an Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability (eCDT) system has been undergoing trial implementation, with accounts distributed to 79,747 fishing vessels, 147 ports, 172 border posts, 28 fisheries sub-departments, and 89 processing plants and businesses.

Furthermore, the effective enforcement of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), which empowers port officials to deny access and services to foreign vessels suspected of illegal activity, also contributes to preventing IUU fishing. From October 2023 to March 15, 2024, meanwhile, confirmation had been received for 394 shipments with 8,995 tons of 15 seafood species for importation. “There have been no reported issues or complications related to the confirmed shipments,” Mr. Cuong said. “Local authorities are continuing to investigate and address cases of ‘laundered fish’, as the EC advised during its fourth inspection.”

Political engagement needed

With a firm commitment to have the EC’s “yellow card” lifted, the Party Central Committee issued Directive No. 32-CT/TW on April 10, emphasizing the need to enhance the Party’s leadership in addressing IUU fishing activities while promoting the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector.

The Directive highlights that, in recent years, the fisheries industry has experienced continuous growth and emerged as a pivotal economic sector. It annually produces over 9 million tons of seafood and contributes approximately 30 per cent to the agricultural sector’s GDP. Vietnam’s seafood exports head to 170 countries and territories, ranking it third globally, and the sector provides employment for millions of workers, contributing significantly to socio-economic development and upholding the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights.

It states that, firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge that the fight against IUU fishing falls on the shoulders of the entire political structure as well as society.

Secondly, there is an urgent need to review and refine policies and laws, introducing stricter penalties to boost the effectiveness of the fight. Emphasis should be placed on policies concerning aquaculture, fishing practices, and safeguarding the sustainable development of fishery resources.

Thirdly, the comprehensive reassessment and regular updating of the national fishing vessel database are essential. Strengthening the oversight of fishing vessels, patrol craft, fishing ports, and fleets is also necessary, alongside taking decisive action against unlicensed and unregistered vessels.

Lastly, it is crucial to enhance international collaboration, particularly with European nations and the EU. Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to garner support from relevant stakeholders for the prompt removal of the “yellow card”. Additionally, proactive diplomatic engagement is needed when Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen face detention and legal action by foreign authorities in disputed maritime areas.