Efforts to remove EC's "yellow card" on Vietnamese fishing industry

Through the study of reports and local inspections, the EC's inspection team recognized Viet Nam's political determination to fight IUU fishing, especially the attention and drastic direction of the Government leaders.

On October 26 and 27, after listening to the Directorate of Fisheries report on some primary contents of implementing the EC's recommendations, the inspection team had some critical comments and suggestions for each issue related to IUU fishing in Viet Nam.

Mr Nguyen Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Fisheries of Viet Nam, emphasized several critical points that the Government, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Directorate of Fisheries and coastal localities will focus on to solve the problem of "yellow card" for Viet Nam shortly.

Firstly, investigate and strictly punish cases of violations of fishing in foreign waters; attach responsibility to heads of Party committees and authorities at all levels in the locality for violations; continue to strengthen patrol, inspection and control activities in the sea areas.

Second, chairpersons of People's Committees of coastal cities and provinces direct agencies and functional units to inspect and handle businesses in the area if there are problems related to export shipments in violation of IUU. Ministries, sectors and localities strengthen coordination in controlling imported seafood products.

Third, direct functional forces of ministries, branches and localities to synchronously implement law enforcement in sanctioning IUU fishing acts to ensure uniform application among localities.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development monitors and controls the enforcement of laws on IUU fishing uniformly from the central to local levels.

Fourth, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development urgently review and amend the legal framework suitable for combating IUU fishing to tighten management and ensure effectiveness and efficiency as recommended by EC.

Finally, build, upgrade, and complete the national fisheries database, fisheries management information system, and a monitoring and supervision system to certify the origin of caught fishery products./.