Vietnam: Fishing vessels’ violations of foreign waters gradually curbed
Vietnamese fishing vessels’ encroachments into foreign waters have notably decreased in recent years, signaling the effective measures undertaken by border guards and other relevant forces to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a senior official revealed.
Colonel Vu Van Hung, Deputy Chief of the Staff of the Border Guard High Command, highlighted that violations in the waters of Pacific Islands nations like Australia, Palau, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea have been entirely eradicated since 2018.
Hung emphasized the significance placed on combating IUU fishing, with the High Command rigorously adhering to directives from the Party Central Committee, the Government, and the Ministry of National Defence. Various directives have been issued to bolster measures against IUU fishing, including a major crackdown scheduled until April, prior to the European Commission’s fifth inspection visit concerning this matter.
Under this campaign, collaborative efforts with coastal local Party committees have been intensified to enhance leadership and guidance, augment personnel and resources for critical border guard posts, and establish patrols in areas prone to unregistered vessels or those lacking vessel monitoring systems (VMS).
Additionally, close collaboration with local authorities has been paramount in raising awareness among fishermen, documenting and managing violating vessels, and swiftly responding to IUU practices.
Hung emphasized the continued coordination with various stakeholders to prevent and cease vessel infringements in foreign waters. The effective use of the VMS system to monitor fishing vessels, swift action against VMS rule violations, and preparations for engagements with the EC delegation are among the crucial tasks ahead.
Vietnam is dedicated to addressing the EC’s recommendations on IUU fishing prevention and control, aiming to have the yellow card warning lifted. The EC issued a yellow card warning to Vietnam in 2017, signaling the need for corrective actions to avoid potential trade sanctions.
