Expert Commends Vietnam’s Efforts in Combating IUU Fishing
Vietnam has demonstrated strong determination in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming to remove the European Commission’s “yellow card” against its fisheries sector. Since 2017, significant achievements and positive changes have been noted, according to Nguyen Anh Thu, a researcher with the Blue Security Fellowship programme at Australia’s La Trobe University.
Thu highlighted that Vietnam has diligently worked to complete its legal framework by issuing, amending, and supplementing its 2017 Fisheries Law along with various relevant decrees and circulars. The country has also increased sanctions and imposed stricter penalties for fishing vessels violating IUU fishing regulations. As of May 21, 2024, 98.25% of fishing vessels 15 meters in length and above had been equipped with a vessel monitoring system (VMS).
Over the years, Vietnam has actively promoted international cooperation, signing memoranda of understanding with countries such as Thailand, Australia, and the US, and establishing hotlines to regularly exchange information with Southeast Asian countries. Thu noted that Vietnam has also been proactive in proposing and participating in initiatives to build a roadmap for combating IUU fishing in ASEAN for the 2020-2025 period.
Despite the progress, Thu acknowledged that there are still some shortcomings that need to be addressed to fully remove the “yellow card.” She recommended that Vietnam should ensure VMS installation on 100% of fishing boats 15 meters and above, strengthen coordination among local leaders and fishermen, and enhance international collaboration.
Thu pointed to Thailand’s success in removing the EC’s “yellow card” as a model for Vietnam, particularly in strengthening law enforcement, handling violations, and promoting international cooperation.
She emphasized the close and effective collaboration between Vietnam and Australia in seafood farming, exploitation, and trade. The upgrade of their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March is expected to open up new cooperation opportunities. Currently, Australia is Vietnam’s fifth-largest seafood export market, while Vietnam is among Australia’s largest seafood suppliers. Both countries are members of several free trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which have facilitated and promoted seafood trade between them.
Thu also noted Australia’s contributions to Vietnam’s IUU fishing prevention efforts. In 2017, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to promote long-term cooperation in combating IUU fishing. Australia has supported Vietnam by organizing training classes, courses, and workshops to raise awareness about IUU fishing prevention and control among Vietnamese fishermen and officials.
