In pursuit of having the “yellow card” warning lifted in 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung, Head of the National Steering Committee on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, has requested that ministries, agencies, and localities deliver substantive improvements between now and August 31, draw up action plans based on the recommendations of the European Commission (EC), and establish a unified fisheries management platform nationwide.

Alongside other coastal localities across the country, Quang Tri Province is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in a bid to lift the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning. The focus is on strict vessel management, resolutely preventing unqualified fishing boats from setting sail, and stepping up communication to raise fishermen’s legal awareness.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung chaired the 34th meeting of the National Steering Committee on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Ha Noi on April 16, urging stronger enforcement to fix remaining shortcomings and secure the removal of the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning.

The inspection team of the European Commission (EC) is expected to visit Viet Nam in March for its fifth on-site inspection. This visit carries particular significance, as its outcome will be a decisive factor in whether the EC lifts the “yellow card” warning or potentially escalates it to a “red card” for Viet Nam’s seafood sector.

Since the beginning of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City has removed the registration of 1,662 fishing vessels that were damaged, no longer operational, or ineligible under regulations.

Enhanced communication, guidance, and coordinated enforcement with strict handling of violations related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing have helped raise fishermen’s awareness and generated positive changes in IUU prevention efforts in central Quang Ngai province.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries, sectors and localities to pursue the dual goal of combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing while fostering sustainable fisheries, thus safeguarding national reputation and interests and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Faced with the urgent requirement to lift the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” warning on Viet Nam’s seafood industry, the provinces of Nghe An, Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh are simultaneously taking action, implementing strong and comprehensive measures ranging from innovative communication efforts to strict management, monitoring, and violation handling.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang proposed three key policy recommendations to promote an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic transition, while addressing a general debate at 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) in Geneva on October 21.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision to issue an action plan for the peak month combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries development.

Speaking at the 14th session of the National Steering Committee for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Prevention and Control, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), on behalf of the business community, conveyed the message of standing alongside the Government in the fight to protect international markets, safeguard national prestige and foster sustainable development of Viet Nam’s seafood industry.

In an effort to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Binh Dinh province is one of the localities that has done well in the work of verifying the origin of aquatic products. Behind the reported numbers is the difficult, but responsible and disciplined process of the fishermen there.

With the aim of removing the IUU "yellow card," protecting marine resources, and enhancing the reputation and standing of Viet Nam’s fisheries sector on the global market, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has launched a new plan to inspect and control the import and transit of albacore tuna through Viet Nam’s territory via container ships.