Set a goal to remove the "yellow card" for Vietnamese seafood products at the 5th inspection by the European Commission

That was the direction of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at an online conference with coastal localities on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on August 28. Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Ha Sy Dong attended the conference at the Quang Tri bridge.

Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Ha Sy Dong attended the conference at the Quang Tri bridge - Photo: LA

According to the report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, after nearly 1 year since the 4th inspection by the European Commission (EC) and after nearly 7 years of implementing tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing and remove the EC's "yellow card" warning, the situation of combating IUU fishing has achieved some important results.

Accordingly, the total number of fishing vessels nationwide has been reviewed and counted to be 85,495; of which 70,910 are registered fishing vessels. The announced quota of offshore licenses for the period 2024 - 2029 is 29,552 licenses. The number of fishing vessels from 15 m and above that have installed a voyage monitoring device (VMS) has reached 98.5% (28,512/28,953 fishing vessels), marking the 98% of fishing vessels.

Localities have compiled lists, monitored, and managed fishing vessels that do not meet operating conditions and fishing vessels at high risk of violating IUU fishing. The monitoring and supervision of fishing vessel activities at sea through the fishing vessel monitoring system, port entry and exit, and port entry and exit in some localities has been strictly and fully implemented according to regulations.

To date, 74 fishing ports and fish landing points nationwide have applied the electronic traceability system for exploited aquatic products (eCDT) to ensure transparency and legality in confirming, certifying, and tracing the origin of exported exploited aquatic products.

However, besides the achieved results, there are still some shortcomings and limitations such as: the situation of Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen illegally exploiting in foreign waters continues to be complicated and increasing compared to before.

Illegal fishing vessels are increasingly sophisticated in many ways, such as using fishing vessels under 15 m in length without VMS equipment; intentionally turning off VMS when operating near bordering waters or intentionally sending or transporting VMS equipment on other fishing vessels.

The implementation of regulations on registration and licensing of fisheries exploitation has not yet been completed.

Specifically, the registration of fishing vessels updated on the national fisheries database has only reached about 82.9%; the whole country still has 14,585 "3 no" vessels; the situation of buying, selling, transferring, and changing the ownership of fishing vessels without carrying out the procedures for deregistration and re-registration of fishing vessels within the province and between provinces still occurs frequently...

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that removing the EC's "yellow card" will not only contribute to promoting socio-economic development and increasing fishermen's income, but also affirm Vietnam's image, position and prestige in the international arena. Therefore, it is necessary to set a goal of removing the "yellow card" for Vietnamese seafood products at the 5th inspection by the EC scheduled for October 2024.

Based on the opinions discussed at the conference, the Prime Minister requested relevant departments, ministries, branches and localities to continue to strictly implement Directive No. 32-CT/TW of the Secretariat and Resolution No. 52/NQ-CP of the Government; thoroughly apply the provisions of Resolution No. 04/2024/NQ-HDTP of the Council of Judges of the Supreme People's Court on criminal prosecution of acts related to illegal exploitation, trading and transportation of aquatic products to strictly handle acts related to illegal exploitation in foreign waters, disconnecting, sending and transporting VMS equipment in violation of the law.

Concentrate resources to prevent and stop illegal fishing in foreign waters; organize reviews and clarify the responsibilities of organizations and individuals that allow illegal fishing in foreign waters; investigate and strictly punish violations.

Urgently complete the work of fleet management, registration, inspection, issuance of fishing licenses, marking of fishing vessels; thoroughly handle the "3 no" fishing vessels. Strictly control from early on, from afar, resolutely and strictly handle the responsibilities of organizations, individuals, and relevant functional forces that do not fulfill their assigned duties and tasks in performing their official duties; cover up, condone, and assist IUU fishing, allowing fishing vessels violating IUU fishing to enter and exit ports, enter and exit ports to participate in fishing activities. Carefully prepare the best security plans, do not be passive or surprised, affecting the country's efforts to remove the "yellow card" warning.

Le An

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/dat-ra-muc-tieu-go-the-vang-doi-voi-hang-thuy-san-viet-nam-tai-dot-thanh-tra-lan-thu-5-cua-uy-ban-chau-au-187948.htm