Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed relevant agencies to prepare thoroughly for the European Commission's upcoming fifth inspection on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with the goal of lifting the 'yellow card' warning imposed on Vietnam seven years ago.

In a directive sent Monday to relevant ministries, associations, and authorities across 28 coastal provinces and cities, PM Chinh called for meeting all European Commission (EC) requirements on combatting IUU fishing.

He urged thorough preparation for the EC's upcoming fifth inspection visit to Vietnam. Following four previous EC inspections over the past seven years, Vietnam has made recognized strides in addressing IUU fishing, according to the prime minister.

However, many problems still need to be addressed quickly so the EC can remove the IUU fishing ‘yellow card’ warning imposed on the Vietnamese seafood industry in October 2017.

The issues highlighted include delays and shortcomings in fishing vessel registration, licensing, and addressing boats that fall under the 'three-no' category: no inspection, no registration, and no license.

In his directive, PM Chinh designated November 20 as the deadline to address these 'three-no' vessels. The premier also noted the ongoing problem of Vietnamese vessels and fishermen engaging in illegal fishing in international waters, which remains unresolved.

Enforcement of regulations regarding the installation, management, and operation of vessel monitoring equipment has been inconsistent in some areas.

PM Chinh attributed the root of the problem to insufficient resolve in leadership and oversight by local authorities, inadequate inspection and supervision by enforcement agencies, and instances of profiteering, concealment, or complicity in IUU fishing activities.

Determined to have the ‘yellow card’ warning lifted at the upcoming fifth EC inspection, PM Chinh called on all relevant agencies and localities to coordinate efforts in the fight against IUU fishing.

He urged local authorities to collaborate with law enforcement to launch a campaign by the end of the month, prioritizing enforcement in critical areas, including addressing vessels with 'three nos,' illegal fishing in international waters, and deregistered boats.

The PM assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to push local authorities to speed up the fishing vessel registration and grant fishing licenses to qualified vessels, as well as eliminate 'three-nos' boats. 

PM Chinh has directed the Ministry of National Defense to mobilize the navy, border guards, and coast guard forces to work with maritime law enforcement in ramping up patrols, inspections, and controls, with the goal of identifying and curbing Vietnamese fishing vessels operating illegally in foreign waters.

He also charged the Ministry of Public Security with instructing its units across 28 coastal provinces and cities to monitor the sale, purchase, and transfer of fishing boats without proper ownership procedures and detecting and addressing vessels engaged in unlawful operations.

Any activity that goes against IUU standards should be strictly punished according to current laws and regulations, he ordered.

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