In preparation for the EC inspection team, the number of fishing vessels violating regulations decreased by over 84%.

SGGPO 11/10/2023 20:36

From the beginning of 2023 to September 13th, the number of fishing vessels illegally operating in foreign waters that were seized and processed decreased by 84.35% compared to 2016.

Starting on October 11th, the European Commission (EC) inspection team began its fourth inspection in Vietnam to assess whether the "yellow card" for Vietnamese seafood can be lifted. On the evening of October 11th, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development released a report to the press informing them of the results of implementing the EC's recommendations from the previous inspection.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien (seated) inspects the work of lifting the "yellow card" on fisheries in Quang Nam . Photo: Quang Nam Newspaper

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien, the EC inspection team will be working in Vietnam from October 11 to 18.

"During this inspection, the localities (28 provinces and cities) were not notified in advance about the locations where the EC inspection team would conduct the inspection, and all 28 provinces and cities with fishing industries had to be well-prepared and ready to welcome the EC team," Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien said.

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnamese localities have been making efforts to implement the EC's recommendations on reducing the number of fishing vessels and fishing intensity. To date, 26 out of 28 coastal provinces and cities have determined fishing quotas in inshore and offshore areas. The total number of quotas determined is 84,125 licenses (currently under consideration for adjustment: offshore quotas from 31,297 licenses down to 29,489 licenses; offshore quotas from 17,899 licenses; and inshore quotas from 34,929 licenses).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also stated that, to date, the total number of fishing vessels over 6 meters in length that have been registered and updated in Vietnam's VNFishbase database is 73,282 (a decrease of nearly 2,000 vessels compared to October 2022). Some localities have deregistered vessels that do not meet the requirements and ensured that these vessels do not resume operations in their localities.

Of the total 73,282 registered fishing vessels longer than 6 meters, 29,489 are currently 15 meters or longer. According to regulations, these vessels must be licensed for fishing and equipped with vessel tracking systems. To date, 94.3% have been granted valid fishing licenses, and 97.65% have installed vessel tracking systems (VMS).

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien and Vice Chairman of Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee Ho Quang Buu discussed with fishermen about lifting the "yellow card" on fisheries. Photo: Quang Nam Newspaper

Regarding the handling of vessels violating regulations, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, naval forces, coast guard, and fisheries inspectors have patrolled and controlled areas in bordering and overlapping seas, as well as key areas.

Thanks to these efforts, the situation of Vietnamese fishing vessels violating regulations in Pacific island nations has been prevented and brought to an end. Localities that have done well and significantly reduced violations include Phu Yen and Tien Giang ; however, violations still occur in localities such as Binh Thuan, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, and Ben Tre.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development affirms that the situation of Vietnamese fishing vessels violating fishing regulations in foreign waters has gradually decreased over the years after the "yellow card" warning.

"From the beginning of 2023 to September 13th, the number of fishing vessels illegally operating in foreign waters that were seized and processed decreased by 84.35% compared to 2016," the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/san-sang-don-doan-kiem-tra-cua-ec-so-tau-ca-vi-pham-giam-tren-84-post709386.html