Focus on thoroughly resolving existing problems and limitations in combating IUU fishing according to EC's recommendations in the 4th inspection

This afternoon, February 5, in Kien Giang province, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang chaired the 9th online conference of the National Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) with 28 coastal localities across the country.

Conference scene at Quang Tri province bridge - Photo: HT

According to the report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, although ministries, sectors and localities have actively implemented tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing under the direction of the Prime Minister and the direction of the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU to overcome shortcomings and limitations according to the EC's recommendations at the 4th inspection.

However, up to now, some key and urgent tasks have not yet ensured progress according to the direction of the Prime Minister. Accordingly, since the 4th inspection (October 2023) by the EC, Vietnam has had 17 ships/190 fishermen arrested and processed by Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Accumulated from the beginning of 2023 to now, the whole country has had 64 ships/550 fishermen arrested and processed by foreign countries.

In addition, there are still about 15,198 tons of "3 no" fish (unregistered, uninspected, unlicensed) nationwide. The situation of buying, selling, and transferring ownership of fishing vessels has not been strictly controlled. Some localities have not seriously implemented the suspension of new construction, conversion of fishing vessels, and buying and selling without written approval from competent authorities as prescribed.

The situation of fishing vessels violating VMS disconnection regulations continues to be common, with nearly 5,000 vessels losing connection for more than 10 days since the beginning of 2023. Law enforcement and handling of IUU violations are still lacking in determination and uneven among localities. The implementation of regulations on confirmation, certification and traceability of aquatic products is still limited...

The conference devoted most of the time for delegates who are leaders of ministries, sectors and localities to recognize and point out existing problems, causes and propose solutions, mechanisms and policies to manage fishing fleets and manage the traceability of seafood for export shipments to the EU market.

Many opinions focus on proposing debt reduction and debt extension to reduce economic pressure on ship owners; having policies to support vocational training and job conversion for fishermen; through diplomatic and cooperation activities to connect Vietnam's fleet with countries in the region to exploit seafood...

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang emphasized: Removing the IUU seafood "yellow card" warning is one of the issues that always receives the attention of the Party, State and Government of Vietnam.

However, to achieve good results in removing the "yellow card", solutions must be implemented synchronously; from strengthening the legal corridor, perfecting institutions, allocating sufficient resources for functional forces to carry out the task of combating IUU fishing, propagating and educating people,... to restructuring the fisheries industry, promoting aquaculture, and supporting fishermen to convert to suitable livelihoods.

Therefore, ministries, branches and localities are required to focus on leading and directing the resolution of existing problems and limitations according to the EC's recommendations in the 4th inspection, ensuring specific results and evidence to work with the 5th EC inspection team, scheduled for April 2024.

Localities direct and prioritize the deployment of police and border guards, assign responsibility to local authorities in key areas to focus on implementing measures to prevent, minimize, and end the situation of fishing vessels violating foreign waters, and strictly manage fishing vessel activities entering and leaving ports at river mouths, seaports, and islands.

At the same time, closely monitor the output of exploited aquatic products; thoroughly handle violations in the work of confirming, certifying and tracing the origin of exploited aquatic products. It is especially necessary to do a good job of propaganda, raising awareness of captains, ship owners and fishermen; control and manage the fleet in the area, resolutely and strictly handle cases of intentional violations of IUU fishing, ensuring law enforcement between localities.

Ha Trang

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