Last chance to have the "yellow card" lifted.

The penalties are not strict enough.

The fourth working visit of the EC delegation took place from October 10 to 18, 2023, including meetings with units of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and field visits to two provinces: Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Binh Dinh. Through this inspection, the EC continued to acknowledge and highly appreciate Vietnam's efforts in combating IUU fishing, especially the political will and the attention and guidance of the Government and the Prime Minister.

The delegation also acknowledged the positive and correct direction of Vietnam's development and its close guidance, agreeing with Vietnam that the transition from traditional fishing to responsible fishing has been positive. The remaining key issue concerns the EU's worries regarding the limitations in practical implementation at the local level, particularly in monitoring, controlling, and supervising fishing vessel operations, as well as the lack of strict penalties for IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing violations and the insufficient severity of sanctions against fraudulent businesses.

Prevent fishing vessels from engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters, and ensure no vessels lose contact for more than 10 days. Photo: Archival material.

The delegation further recommended that Vietnam should take strict measures to hold accountable local organizations and individuals who fail to fulfill their assigned duties and responsibilities, as well as businesses engaging in illegal activities. The delegation also recommended that localities focus on seriously implementing fisheries laws and regulations, especially those concerning vessel monitoring systems (VMS), registration, licensing, and marking of fishing vessels, creating tangible changes and resolutely punishing all violations of IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing practices.

Accordingly, the EC inspection team recommended that Vietnam continue to monitor and prevent fishing vessels from engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters, ensuring that no vessels lose connectivity for more than 10 days, and preventing vessels from operating without proper documentation (no registration, no license, no permit). The EC inspection team also recommended that Vietnam take strict measures to hold accountable local organizations and individuals who fail to fulfill their assigned duties and responsibilities, as well as businesses engaged in illegal activities.

The opportunity to have the "yellow card" lifted is drawing near.

The EC is expected to conduct its fifth inspection in the second quarter of 2024, and this is a crucial opportunity for Vietnam to have its "yellow card" for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing lifted. Failure to do so could mean several more years, or even a risk of receiving a "red card" for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, potentially restricting seafood exports to key markets. Therefore, the task of removing the IUU "yellow card" is more urgent than ever and requires concerted effort. Over the years, various methods have been employed, along with intensified public awareness campaigns following the principle of "slow and steady wins the race."

To address this situation, the installation and operation of vessel tracking devices on fishing vessels while operating at sea is crucial, enabling authorities to closely monitor vessels, promptly detect, prevent, and handle violations.

In recent times, Binh Thuan province has been very proactive in implementing the installation of vessel tracking devices on fishing boats as required by regulations. In addition, the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee have mobilized the strength of the entire political system with high determination to urgently overcome limitations and shortcomings, aiming to contribute to the nationwide effort to lift the EC's "yellow card" and move towards building a responsible and sustainable fisheries sector.

Currently, the authorities and localities in the province have developed coordination regulations to strengthen law enforcement and strictly and resolutely deal with fishing vessels violating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing practices. At the same time, they maintain inspection and supervision of the enforcement of IUU fishing prevention and control measures at sea, correcting irresponsible and indecisive actions in handling violations. They are determined to prevent fishing vessels from the province from engaging in illegal fishing in foreign waters.

Regularly review, compile statistics, and closely monitor fishing vessels at high risk of violating foreign waters. Closely track and manage captains and fishermen who have previously violated regulations by engaging in illegal fishing and have been released by foreign countries, in order to promptly detect and prevent repeat offenses. Continue to investigate, verify, and handle cases of fishing vessels seized by foreign countries and organizations and individuals involved in brokering or facilitating the illegal fishing of vessels and fishermen in foreign waters, in accordance with regulations.

Strengthen the capacity of the fleet to inspect and control fishing vessel operations. Conduct 24/7 monitoring of fishing vessels 15 meters or longer that have installed VMS equipment on the vessel monitoring system, and promptly notify and remind vessel owners to resolve VMS signal connection issues while operating at sea. In addition, closely monitor fishing vessels docked without VMS equipment and resolutely prevent them from leaving port to operate. Strengthen IUU control at fishing ports and wharves, ensuring traceability of harvested seafood for processing and export…

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/co-hoi-cuoi-cung-de-go-the-vang-118146.html