EU Recognizes Vietnam’s Progress in Combating IUU Fishing

	Coast Guard Boosts Communication on IUU Fishing Prevention
	Viet Nam Coast Guard Implements Comprehensive Measures Against IUU fishing

Law enforcement forces present national flags and life jackets to fishermen at sea. (Photo: VNA)

According to Ambassador Guerrier, Vietnam has been vigorously implementing the requirement to install vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on fishing vessels of 15 meters or longer. The EU also appreciates the strong directives issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the regular involvement of the Prime Minister. Each week, the Prime Minister meets with leaders of coastal localities to review progress, urge enforcement, and apply strict sanctions against violations.

In October 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment submitted an updated report to the EU. However, Ambassador Guerrier noted that several issues still require further clarification, particularly data on traceability and fishing vessel journeys, and that additional time is needed to ensure accuracy and rigor.

He affirmed that the EU wishes to continue close cooperation with Vietnam to achieve concrete results as soon as possible, paving the way for the “yellow card” to be lifted.

As part of the peak month for combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam’s fisheries sector, localities across the country have, over the past week, simultaneously mobilized forces, tightened control over fishing fleets, rigorously handled violations, and accelerated the digitalization of fisheries data.

Implementing the peak month for combating IUU fishing and ensuring sustainable fisheries development, localities have intensified fleet monitoring, enforced penalties, and boosted data digitalization. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, more than 80,000 fishing vessels have now registered for VNFishbase (the electronic identification application), VMS (vessel monitoring systems), and eCDT (the electronic seafood traceability system) to support management and supervision.

Vietnam has also received positive assessments from the EU Delegation during a recent meeting between Minister Tran Duc Thang and Ambassador Julien Guerrier. The working session demonstrated goodwill and cooperation in addressing obstacles related to the circulation of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, combating IUU fishing, and complying with the EU’s anti-deforestation regulations.

Minister Tran Duc Thang said Vietnam has completed its legal framework on fisheries, consulted on and incorporated the European Commission’s recommendations into domestic law. Based on the results achieved, the Minister proposed that the EU soon organize the fifth EC inspection mission to Vietnam to directly acknowledge the changes in anti-IUU efforts, with a view to lifting the yellow card at the earliest possible time.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier also recognized Vietnam’s many substantive improvements, from controlling and tracing fishing vessels to expanding and restoring natural forests.

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