Implementing the 'dual goal' to end IUU fishing

QTO - On the evening of December 9, speaking at an online meeting of the National Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) with provinces and cities across the country, Comrade Pham Minh Chinh, Politburo member and Prime Minister, proposed implementing the "dual goal" of ending IUU fishing as recommended by the European Commission (EC) and restructuring the fisheries sector. Attending the meeting at the Quang Tri province bridge was Comrade Le Van Bao, Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the Central bridge - Photo: TL

At the meeting, representatives of ministries, branches and localities reported on the situation of anti-IUU fishing activities in the past week. The total number of fishing vessels currently registered and updated on Vnfishbase is 79,180 (100%). For fishing vessels that do not meet the operating conditions, they have been controlled and assigned to communes, wards, forces and officers to manage the anchorage location. During the week, 2,901 fishing vessels leaving the port and 2,708 vessels arriving at the port were inspected and controlled according to regulations.

Meeting scene at Quang Tri province bridge - Photo: TL

Comrade Le Van Bao, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee attended the conference at the Quang Tri province bridge - Photo: TL

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has presided over and coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review and unify the data on fishing vessels detained by foreign countries and requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue to verify and clarify fishing vessels and fishermen detained by other countries, and provide information for timely handling. During the week, no fishing vessels violating foreign waters were detained; 54/71 fishing vessels detained by foreign countries were handled. According to reports from localities, from 2024 to December 7, 2025, the total number of fishing vessels detected as losing connection for 6 hours, losing connection for more than 10 days at sea, and exceeding the permitted fishing boundary was 21,995 vessels, resulting in 21,995 vessels being handled (100%).

Meeting scene at Quang Tri province bridge - Photo: TL

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested localities and units to urgently implement the "dual goal", which is to end IUU fishing according to the EC's recommendations and restructure the fisheries sector and fleet towards legal fishing, increase aquaculture, seafood processing and cooperation with other countries. Ministries, sectors and localities review difficulties and obstacles to promptly remove them and deploy solutions in a close, drastic and effective manner, resolutely handling violations, especially disconnections and border crossings.

The Prime Minister also requested the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing to complete its report to the EC before December 15; discuss with the EC to unify information; restructure the workforce, create sustainable livelihoods and income for fishermen.

To Linh - Tran Hoa

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202512/thuc-hien-muc-tieu-kep-nham-cham-dut-khai-thac-iuu-f9471c3/