Combating IUU fishing: Reviewing the responsibility of the leader if fishing vessels violate

On the afternoon of August 28, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a conference on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a concluding speech at the conference. Photo: VIET CHUNG

Reports and opinions at the conference unanimously assessed that after nearly 1 year since the 4th inspection by the European Commission (EC) in October 2023 and 7 years of implementing tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing and remove the EC's "Yellow Card" warning, Vietnam has achieved many results recognized by the EC; many contents pointed out and requested by the EC have been overcome. However, up to now, there are still many shortcomings, limitations, and slow completion of work related to fleet management, law enforcement, connection of fishing vessel monitoring devices (VMS), and illegal fishing violations.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that it is necessary to handle the responsibilities of the heads of sectors, agencies and localities if they do not strictly implement the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws on combating IUU fishing; lack determination in leadership, direction and administration; do not pay due attention, lack of inspection, supervision... The Prime Minister clearly pointed out the goal of removing the "Yellow Card" warning at the 5th inspection by the EC Inspection Team scheduled for October 2024 and affirmed that the goal of combating IUU fishing and removing the yellow card has a full political basis, legal basis and practical basis.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested relevant ministries, localities, functional forces, Party committees and authorities at all levels, especially at the grassroots level, to focus on leadership, direction and drastic actions to carry out the task of combating IUU fishing, urgently completing the overcoming of existing shortcomings and limitations. Closely monitor and manage fleets, prevent IUU violations and decisively handle fishing vessels with the 3 no's (unregistered, uninspected, unlicensed); review, classify and strictly handle collectives and individuals who violate Party regulations and State laws; administrative violations will be handled administratively, criminal violations will be handled criminally; step up inspection, examination, supervision, traceability and immediate handling of violations.

The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense to preside over and coordinate with localities to investigate, prosecute, prosecute, and strictly try 100% of cases related to sending fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally exploit in foreign waters; disconnecting, sending, and transporting VMS equipment, brokerage, connection, and other serious violations.

The Prime Minister requested to carefully prepare the best possible solutions, not to be passive or surprised, affecting the country's efforts to remove the "Yellow Card" warning. Provinces that continue to allow local fishing vessels to violate illegal fishing in foreign waters must organize serious reviews, clearly identify the responsibilities of the heads of relevant agencies and functional forces; complete and report the results to the Prime Minister in September.

PHAN THAO

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/chong-khai-thac-iuu-kiem-diem-trach-nhiem-nguoi-dung-dau-neu-de-tau-ca-vi-pham-post756169.html