Efforts to combat IUU fishing have made significant progress, from strengthening institutions, managing the fishing fleet, and monitoring vessel movements to traceability and enforcement.
The institutional and legal framework has basically met the requirements for combating IUU fishing and continues to be reviewed and improved to ensure compliance with international regulations.
Decree No. 246/2026/ND-CP on administrative penalties for violations in the fisheries sector, which will take effect on August 18, has incorporated most of the EC’s latest recommendations, adding serious IUU fishing violations and increasing fines and supplementary penalties.
There are currently more than 80,300 fishing vessels registered nationwide, with their information updated in the national fisheries database; 99.6% of fishing vessels measuring 15 metres or more are equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Nearly 7,600 vessels that do not meet operating requirements have been placed on a list, with the responsibility for managing and monitoring them assigned to specific organisations and individuals.
In its letter notifying Viet Nam of the inspection results, the EC praised the country’s efforts and affirmed that Viet Nam was taking the right measures to address illegal fishing at its root. It also issued several recommendations concerning fleet management, law enforcement, and traceability, among other areas. The EC has also requested that Viet Nam submit a response report by October 1 on the recommendations made by the fifth inspection team and the measures implemented.
Following the inspection, the EC has therefore focused its recommendations on strengthening systems for monitoring, inspection, supervision, traceability, and law enforcement. The outcome of efforts to have the “yellow card” warning lifted in this new phase will depend largely on the effectiveness of law enforcement in the field. This is a crucial time for the fisheries sector and relevant authorities to fully address the EC’s recommendations and achieve the goal of having the “yellow card” lifted this year.
Ministries, agencies, and localities must make every effort to strictly implement directives from the Party Central Committee and the Government, enhance the accountability of those in charge, mobilise the entire political system, and deliver substantive improvements in combating IUU fishing during August.
The effort to have the “yellow card” warning lifted is aimed not only at meeting the EC’s requirements but also at building a sustainable, modern, and responsible fisheries sector.
Under Resolution No. 20-NQ/TW, dated July 28, 2026, on building and developing Viet Nam into a strong maritime nation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has reviewed and supplemented the Viet Nam Fisheries Development Strategy to 2030, with a focus on tasks and solutions directly related to IUU fishing, applying science and technology to develop the marine economy, and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
