PM Chính Launches Crackdown on IUU Fishing to Lift EU's Yellow Card
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has launched a comprehensive crackdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Vietnam. The aim is to lift the European Commission's yellow card against the country's seafood exports this year.
PM Chính has ordered a decisive action plan to be ready by November 15, 2025, addressing four key issues. These include strict vessel control and inspection, enforcement with digital platforms, fish unloading monitoring, and awareness campaigns among coastal fishers.
The navy, border guard, fishery surveillance, and coast guard forces have been instructed to coordinate patrols and inspections to prevent IUU fishing violations. Leaders of 21 coastal provinces and cities are overseeing the full installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on fishing vessels. The Ministry of Public Security is to prosecute and adjudicate outstanding IUU violation cases promptly and handle violations involving vessels that lose VMS connections or operate illegally in foreign waters by October 15.
An application for managing fishing vessels and fishermen's port entry and exit on the VNeID platform will be operational by October 15. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with weekly progress updates. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment are to finalize and submit a revised decree on administrative sanctions in the fisheries sector by the same date.
The Prime Minister's directive comes as the number of unlicensed fishing vessels declines and vessels equipped with VMS increase. The concrete plan and roadmap are expected to strengthen Vietnam's efforts to combat IUU fishing and restore its reputation in the global seafood market.
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