International Cooperation Promotes Sustainable Fisheries in Vietnam

	Vietnam Coast Guard Puts More Efforts Into Fighting Illegal Fishing
	Enhancing Regional Coordination in Fisheries Management and Combating IUU Fishing

Toward transparent and sustainable fisheries development

Since 2014, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has implemented the Yellowfin Tuna Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) in Vietnam, working with enterprises and local authorities to address overfishing and ensure the sustainability of yellowfin tuna stocks. The project evaluates fish stocks, bycatch, and potential threats to ecosystems; promotes compliance with regulations and better law enforcement; and implements a co-management model involving local fishing communities.

Thanks to the project, many tuna processing and exporting factories have upgraded their traceability systems, increased transparency in their supply chains, and expanded access to demanding markets. According to the Vietnam Tuna Association, as of September 2025, 29 companies and processing plants participating in the FIP have applied FIP traceability codes.

A yellowfin tuna is brought ashore by fishermen. (Photo: WWF-Vietnam)

On October 2, 2025, Vietnam’s skipjack tuna purse seine fishery was recognized by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as eligible to participate in the MSC Improvement Program (MSC-IP). This marks an important step toward achieving the international MSC ecolabel certification - one of the world’s most prestigious standards for sustainable fisheries. The Vietnam Tuna Association will implement an action plan for the 2025-2030 period, coordinating with businesses and local authorities to improve management, environmental, and traceability criteria, with the goal of obtaining certification by 2031.

International cooperation has also expanded to aquaculture and seafood processing. On October 13, 2025, the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) signed a cooperation agreement with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). Under the agreement, both sides agreed to strengthen technical cooperation, professional training, technology transfer, and the sharing of international experience in aquaculture and seafood processing. The agreement also aims to support Vietnamese aquaculture enterprises and farmers in applying internationally recognized sustainability standards and certifications, including the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), one of the world’s most widely accepted sustainability models.

Determined to combat IUU fishing and enhance international integration

Vietnam consistently upholds its determination to engage in international cooperation to combat IUU fishing, harmonize with international regulations, and develop a sustainable fishing industry. The Government of Vietnam has signed a Joint Statement on Voluntary International Cooperation against IUU Fishing with Indonesia and established hotlines with Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.

In addition, Vietnam has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on combating IUU fishing with Australia and the United States; maintains annual meetings with the Philippines; and has established a trilateral information-sharing mechanism among the Department of Fisheries under the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia to promptly exchange information on fishery management and handle violations involving fishing vessels.

Vietnam also cooperates with international organizations such as the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to implement measures related to port state controls, electronic traceability, and transshipment at sea.

At the regular press briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 6, the spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang affirmed: As an active, proactive, and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam is always ready to work with countries in the region and the global community to strengthen cooperation and share experience in combating IUU fishing, promoting effective and sustainable fishery management in accordance with international law.

According to experts, international cooperation not only brings technical and financial support but also helps Vietnam integrate more deeply into global value chains, build a transparent, responsible, and sustainable fisheries sector, and spread the message of protecting the blue ocean.

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