Vietnam needs to strengthen anti-IUU fishing measures: Deputy PM

Without stronger measures to lift the "yellow card" warning, Vietnam may face a "red card" from the European Commission (EC), which means it will be banned from exporting seafood to Europe, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang at the seventh meeting of the National Steering Committee on fighting IUU fishing. These efforts have progressed after more than five years of taking action against IUU fishing and implementing the EC’s recommendations.

In their third inspection last October, the EC inspection team continued to recognise and highly value Vietnam’s political resolve, especially the attention and drastic directions of the Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister.

Regarding the prevention and settlement of Vietnamese fishing vessels working illegally in foreign waters, the country’s law enforcement forces have patrolled and examined the areas adjacent to other countries to take the necessary measures. So far, they have eradicated fishing vessel violations in the waters of Pacific island countries.