Government’s action program cracks down on illegal fishing
A raft of measures to deal with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is included in the Government’s freshly issued action program as the country is striving to clamp down on illegal fishing.
Among the short-term measures carried out until May 2024 are improving public awareness of IUU fishing prevention. Besides, it is a must to comply with both Vietnamese and international laws on seafood traceability, while investigating, identifying and handling all acts related to illegal fishing.
Regarding long-term measures, the Government resolves to complete policies and regulations on the fisheries, improve fishermen’s livelihoods, and direct management of the fishery workers in accordance with both domestic and international labor regulations.
Furthermore, it will encourage public-private cooperation to develop technical fishery infrastructure, and improve the capacity and responsibility of the fisheries surveillance force and competent agencies.
Other highlights of the program include enhanced international cooperation in the domain, negotiations on delimitation of the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves, and implementation of the international commitments and treaties on protection of the ocean resources and marine ecosystem.
Right after receiving the EC’s yellow card in 2017, Vietnam promptly enacted the Fisheries Law, and established fishing vessel data covering registration and the issuance of fishing licences from central to local levels.
Relevant ministries, agencies, and coastal provinces and cities of the country have ramped up IUU fishing prevention tasks and solutions in line with directives of the permanent members of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister, and the National Steering Committee on IUU Fishing Prevention.
