Vietnam desires sustainable fisheries growth.

DNHN - Minister Le Minh Hoan emphasized that the "fishery yellow card" represents an opportunity for Vietnam to move towards responsible fisheries and sustainable development.

On September 19, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced significant efforts to remove the IUU yellow card (Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated - Illegal fishing, non-declaration, non-compliance with regulations) before the September 18 inspection by the fourth inspection team of the European Commission (EC). Minister Le Minh Hoan led the Ministry's delegation and led a meeting with EC agencies in Belgium.

During a meeting with the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries (DG MARE) of the General Department of Seas and Fisheries, Minister Le Minh Hoan reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as a priority for the fisheries sector. This not only relates to exports to Europe but also highlights the sustainable development of the seafood farming and exploitation industry, demonstrating Vietnam's international responsibility and standing.

Minister Le Minh Hoan also emphasized that the "yellow card" represents an opportunity for the fishing industry to transition from a traditional, diverse scale and fish species model to a model of responsible and sustainable fisheries management. solid. During this process, Vietnam has made its best efforts to implement recommendations from DG MARE, to reduce IUU fishing activities and promote the sustainable development of the fisheries industry.

As a result of these efforts, the management of fishing vessels in Vietnam has significantly improved. Currently, 98 percent of offshore fishing vessels are equipped with cruise monitoring equipment. The origin of seafood is traceable from extraction to processing and export.

From 2015 to the present, the number of foreign fishing vessels violating regulations in Vietnamese waters has decreased significantly. Compared to 2016, the current number of foreign fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing in Vietnamese waters has decreased by 84%.

Minister Le Minh Hoan also discussed Vietnam's strategy for establishing a sustainable seafood industry, including the reduction of the fleet and the transition to aquaculture. In addition, he proposed that the EC assist Vietnam in investigating aquatic resources in Vietnamese waters and in implementing programs to assist coastal fishermen in their transition to new careers.

Partners of the European Union praised the visit of Minister Le Minh Hoan, stating that it demonstrates Vietnam's resolve and political will. The meeting also assisted both parties in gaining a better understanding of the challenges involved in implementing the fight against IUU fishing. The High Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries and DG MARE has remarked that Vietnam's approach to dealing with IUU yellow cards and developing a sustainable fisheries industry is a model for the world. Vietnam has established a legal framework for managing fisheries and combating IUU fishing that meets all international requirements.

However, there are still several issues that need to be resolved, such as the situation of foreign fishing vessels violating Vietnamese regulations, inconsistencies in local law enforcement, and the balance between aquatic resources and exploitation force. The EC has pledged to continue assisting Vietnam in developing a sustainable fisheries industry and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to make Vietnam a global leader in this field.

Thanh Ha