Local implementation remains limited.

Người Đưa Tin•20/10/2023

Sharing the preliminary results following the fourth on-site inspection by the European Commission (EC) delegation (from October 10th to October 18th, 2023) on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien stated: “The delegation continues to acknowledge and highly appreciate the efforts to combat IUU fishing, especially the political determination, attention, and guidance of the Government and the Prime Minister.”

Policy - Lifting the IUU “yellow card”: Implementation at the local level remains limited. — Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that the delegation also appreciated the positive changes, the correct direction, and the very close guidance from the Central Government of Vietnam. The delegation also agreed with Vietnam that the transition from traditional fishing to responsible fishing has shown positive progress.

Regarding the legal framework, the Delegation basically agreed with the draft of the two decrees amending and supplementing: Government Decree 26/2019/ND-CP detailing some articles and measures for implementing the Law on Fisheries and Government Decree 42/2019/ND-CP stipulating administrative sanctions for violations in the field of fisheries.

"However, the key issue is that the actual implementation results at the local level so far are still limited in monitoring, controlling, and supervising fishing vessel operations, penalizing violations of IUU fishing, and imposing sanctions on fraudulent businesses, which are not yet strict enough," Deputy Minister Tien noted.

Regarding the inspection team's recommendations, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that the team recommended controlling and preventing fishing vessels from engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters; preventing vessels from losing connectivity for more than 10 days; preventing vessels from operating without proper registration, registration, or permits; and noting that the penalty rate remains very low. This also applies to imported raw materials transported by container ships (for swordfish and longfin tuna).

The delegation further recommended that Vietnam should take strict measures to hold accountable local organizations and individuals who fail to fulfill their assigned duties and responsibilities, as well as businesses engaged in illegal activities.

Policy - Lifting the IUU “yellow card”: Implementation at the local level remains limited (Figure 2). — The delegation further recommended that Vietnam should take strict measures to hold accountable local organizations and individuals who fail to fulfill their assigned duties and responsibilities, as well as businesses engaged in illegal activities.

The delegation also recommended that localities focus on seriously implementing fisheries laws and regulations, especially regulations on vessel monitoring systems (VMS), registration, licensing, and marking of fishing vessels, creating practical changes; and resolutely punish all violations of IUU fishing regulations.

Regarding the official results, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien stated that the inspection team must report to the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission (EC), and only then will a conclusion be reached on lifting Vietnam's "yellow card".

However, between now and the next inspection (scheduled for May-June 2024), Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien suggested that leaders of coastal provinces and cities must continue to closely, regularly, and consistently direct the implementation of solutions in order for Vietnam to have the "yellow card" lifted.

Provinces with VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System) systems must be on duty 24/7 to detect vessels crossing boundaries or losing connection early. In particular, strong measures must be taken to prevent fishing vessels from engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will urgently implement the electronic traceability system. At the same time, it will continue to organize inspection teams to monitor and urge compliance, and propose measures to address the responsibility of organizations and individuals who are still lacking in responsibility at the local level .

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