Vietnam Hurries to Lift EC's "Yellow Card" Before September 15th
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Vietnam Taking Steps to Address EU's IUU Warning
HÀ NỘI - The Vietnamese government is gearing up to tackle the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card" warning and prepare for the fifth EC inspection. The ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proposed an action plan to address the challenges posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
The ministry outlined key outcomes to swiftly address the EC's concerns, with a particular focus on resolving all issues before the deadline for submitting a progress report to the commission and ensuring thorough preparations for the fifth inspection to remove the "yellow card" warning.
Crucial areas of attention include fleet management, fishing vessel activity monitoring, seafood traceability, and law enforcement, with responsibilities spanning various ministries and local authorities.
Fleet management involves completing vessel identification registration through the national population database and synchronizing the information with the national fisheries database and vessel monitoring system. All registered fishing vessels must display proper identification numbers and markings. Vessels that fail to meet operational requirements will be designated to specific anchoring locations, with local authorities monitoring them to prevent unauthorized operations.
Regarding vessel activity monitoring, authorities must upgrade existing fishing ports to meet regulatory standards and implement electronic departure and arrival verification systems. The vessel monitoring system should operate 24/7, with service providers ensuring proper installation, maintenance, and replacement of substandard equipment.
For seafood traceability, all fishing vessels 15 metres or longer must log departures and arrivals through the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system at fishing ports and use electronic fishing logbooks in accordance with the ministry's guidelines. With imported seafood products, competent authorities will carry out the Agreement on Port State Measures and conduct inspections of container imports.
Meanwhile, stiff penalties have been imposed for violations related to illegal fishing in foreign waters and vessels losing VMS connection for more than six hours.
Previously, the EC's Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG-MARE) requested Vietnam focus on resolving current shortcomings, specifically in monitoring fishing vessel activities and preventing illegal fishing in foreign waters. DG-MARE asked Vietnam to submit a progress report before September 15, and they will conduct the fifth inspection later this year if the report demonstrates sufficient progress in addressing these concerns.
Stepping Up Enforcement
To address the EU’s IUU concerns, Vietnam is implementing stricter registration and compliance checks to prevent unauthorized vessels from operating, particularly in disputed waters[1][5]. Coastal provinces have intensified oversight of vessel licensing and offshore fishing zones, with penalties for non-compliance[1][4].
Upgrades to real-time tracking systems, such as the Enhanced Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), aim to reduce illegal incursions into foreign waters, a key factor in the EU’s warning[1][5]. The Coast Guard and Navy collaborate on increased surveillance in high-risk areas, especially southwestern waters[4][5]. Outreach programs educate fishermen on maritime laws and VMS usage[2][5].
Officers and soldiers from Quỳnh Phương Border Guard Station inspect the vessel monitoring system on a fishing boat before it sets off. VNA/VNS Photo Văn Tý
Streamlined export standards are being developed to ensure compliance with EU requirements, including better documentation of catch origins[1]. Technical barriers to licensing and market access are being removed to facilitate traceability[1].
Strict punishments for illegal fishing, including revoking licenses and fines, are prioritized[1][5]. The Coast Guard collaborates with the Border Guard, Fisheries Surveillance, and local authorities to enforce maritime laws[5]. Programs like "Coast Guards accompany fishermen" promote legal fishing practices and deter IUU activities[5].
With these measures in place, Vietnam aims to demonstrate sustainable fisheries management and lift the yellow card by late 2025[1][3][5].
- The Vietnamese government is working diligently to meet the European Commission's (EC) demands and pass the fifth EC inspection, in an attempt to remove the "yellow card" warning issued for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.
- The action plan proposed by the ministry of Agriculture and Environment focuses on addressing vital areas, including fleet management, vessel activity monitoring, seafood traceability, and law enforcement.
- In fleet management, all fishing vessels must display proper identification numbers, and non-compliant vessels will be assigned to specific anchoring locations for monitoring.
- For vessel activity monitoring, authorities plan to upgrade ports, implement electronic departure and arrival systems, and ensure the 24/7 operation of the vessel monitoring system.
- In seafood traceability, fishing vessels 15 meters or longer must log departures and arrivals through the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability system, while imported seafood products will be inspected for compliance.
- Strict penalties have been imposed for violations related to illegal fishing in foreign waters and vessels losing VMS connection for extended periods.
- To address the EU's concerns, Vietnam is implementing stricter registration and compliance checks, upgrading real-time tracking systems, and increasing surveillance in high-risk areas, including southwestern waters.
- With these measures, Vietnam aims to demonstrate sustainable fisheries management and lift the yellow card by late 2025, ensuring compliance with EU requirements and promoting legal fishing practices to deter IUU activities.
