Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested relevant ministries, agencies and localities to strengthen efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing with the aim of having the European Commission (EC)’s warning "yellow card” removed  during the upcoming inspection of the commission in October this year.

Chairing a video conference held with leaders of all the 28 coastal cities and  provinces on August 28 to review the results of the fight against IUU fishing, PM Chinh required to mobilize all resources to eradicate fishing vessels’ infringement of foreign waters.

Police and border guard forces must enhance coordination with local administrations to step up awareness-raising communications and early detect and prevent fishermen from operating illegally in foreign waters, he said.

It is also necessary to effectively carry out the resolution released by the Supreme People’s Court’s council of judges that guides the application of the Penal Code’s regulations on the acts of illegal seafood exploitation, trading, and transportation, he said.

PM Chinh asked relevant ministries and localities to urgently take measures to address shortcomings and problems arising in the fight against IUU fishing, strictly monitor fishing vessels, enhance inspection and strictly punish individuals and organizations violating anti-IUU fishing regulations.