Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries, sectors and localities to pursue the dual goals of combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fostering sustainable fisheries development.
The instruction was delivered at the 25th meeting of the National Steering Committee for Combating IUU Fishing, held in Hanoi on December 9, under the Prime Minister's chair.
At the meeting, the committee reviewed progress in addressing IUU fishing, with a focus on issues raised by the European Commission (EC), preparations of reports in line with EC recommendations, and strengthening fisheries cooperation with regional countries. Officials also discussed measures to promote sustainable fisheries for the long-term benefit of the country and its fishing communities.
PM Chinh stressed the need to restructure fishing fleets and workforce to ensure full compliance with the law; expand aquaculture; reduce offshore exploitation; and improve both the material and spiritual well-being of fishing communities. He also underscored the importance of enhancing fisheries cooperation with neighbouring countries.
He instructed ministries, agencies and localities to thoroughly review all issues highlighted by the EC, ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting, and clearly identify areas of progress as well as shortcomings requiring further action.
The Prime Minister called for close coordination in preparing full and accurate reports for submission to the EC, and for candid, substantive engagement with EC representatives to ensure data consistency. This will enable the EC to make a complete and precise assessment of Vietnam’s efforts to combat IUU fishing.
Over the past nearly two months, coastal localities have launched a campaign to combat IUU fishing with the aim of removing the EC’s “yellow card” warning this year.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that the national fisheries database (VNFishbase) has now been fully digitised and integrated. All 79,180 fishing vessels nationwide have been registered and updated on the VNFishbase system.
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