A Steering Committee has been established to lift the IUU "yellow card" warning.

On January 25th, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan signed Decision No. 407 establishing the Steering Committee for combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, lifting the "yellow card" warning, and developing sustainable fisheries.

Accordingly, the head of the committee is Mr. Phung Duc Tien - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU. Members of the committee include leaders from the Fisheries Inspection Department, the Fisheries Department, the Quality, Processing and Market Development Department, the Veterinary Department, the Finance Department, the Planning Department, the International Cooperation Department, the Legal Department, and the Ministry's Office.

Members of the Steering Committee are responsible for directing and organizing the implementation of related tasks as directed by the Head of the Committee and assigning leaders and specialists of the unit to monitor and advise on the implementation of assigned tasks. They are also responsible for coordinating and providing information to the Ministry's permanent IUU agency (Fisheries Inspection Department) for implementation.

Mr. Phung Duc Tien - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, heads the IUU Steering Committee (Photo: Huu Thang).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also established a permanent office of the IUU Steering Committee, located at the headquarters of the Fisheries Inspection Department. Specifically, the Head of the Office is Mr. Duong Van Cuong - Deputy Director of the Fisheries Inspection Department. The Deputy Head of the Office is Mr. Nguyen Minh Tanh, Fisheries Inspection Operations Division, Fisheries Inspection Department.

The tasks and powers of the IUU Steering Committee, as outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, are specified in seven points. Firstly, it advises and organizes the implementation of the tasks of the permanent agency of the National Steering Committee on IUU, while also directing the organization and implementation of programs, projects, and plans serving sustainable fisheries development.

Secondly, to direct, review, and propose amendments, additions, and new promulgation of fisheries laws, mechanisms, and policies to serve sustainable fisheries management, in line with practical circumstances, international integration, and combat IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

Thirdly, develop programs and action plans for the National Steering Committee on IUU on an annual and ad hoc basis; handle routine tasks, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the National Steering Committee on IUU.

Fourth, direct agencies and units under the Ministry to implement tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing as directed by the Government, the Prime Minister , and the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU; implement information and communication activities, legal training and international cooperation in marine fisheries and combating IUU fishing with countries, international and regional organizations.

Fifth, to urge, coordinate, and cooperate with relevant ministries, departments, and localities to propose to the Prime Minister and the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU fishing tasks and solutions to combat IUU fishing; and to direct and coordinate the timely handling of difficulties and obstacles in combating IUU fishing in localities.

Sixth, to monitor, inspect, supervise, and evaluate the results of the implementation of anti-IUU fishing measures by relevant ministries, departments, and localities; to compile and prepare reports and submit them to the Prime Minister and the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU on the results of the anti-IUU fishing tasks on a regular and ad hoc basis.

Seventh, perform other tasks as assigned and directed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Government , and the Prime Minister.

Following the Prime Minister's directive, the entire political system is actively involved in lifting the IUU "yellow card." Based on this, from the beginning of 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development organized numerous inspection teams to visit fishing ports in 28 coastal provinces and cities.

Based on the four main recommendations of the EC inspection team, including the legal framework, fleet management, traceability of harvested seafood, and handling of violations, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development proactively guided localities to effectively implement these contents before the 5th EC inspection, expected in May (or June) this year .

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/thanh-lap-ban-chi-dao-go-canh-bao-the-vang-iuu-a647485.html