Vietnam Coast Guard Sets IUU Combat as Key Task for 2026
	Can Tho Boosts Coordinated Communication to Stop IUU Fishing

According to the VGP, at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highly appreciated the serious, urgent working spirit and the efforts of ministries, sectors, and localities in implementing assigned tasks, which have yielded positive results.

However, the Deputy Prime Minister also pointed out that progress in implementing a number of tasks assigned by the Prime Minister remains unclear, particularly the thorough handling of violations involving fishing vessels previously detained by foreign countries; the investigation and sanctioning of origin fraud related to swordfish consignments exported to Europe; and the fact that many localities have yet to issue policies for occupational transition for fishermen.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chairs the 27th meeting of the National Steering Committee on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. (Photo: VNA)

In the time ahead, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha requested that ministries, sectors, and localities continue to seriously and decisively implement the tasks assigned by the Party Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister in combating IUU fishing to achieve the “dual goal” of having the EC’s IUU yellow card lifted and developing Vietnam’s fisheries sector in a sustainable and responsible manner, with a strong shift from capture fisheries to aquaculture.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted the need to thoroughly address outstanding tasks and to report honestly and objectively, without formality or chasing achievements, while focusing on standardizing data among levels, sectors, and localities on issues recommended by the EC.

Accordingly, the Deputy Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to absorb the opinions of Steering Committee members to finalize the report and submit it to the EC before December 31, 2025; to continue regular exchanges and maintain close contact with the EC to promptly provide information upon request; to report to the Government and the Prime Minister matters beyond its authority; and to continue leading and coordinating with ministries and sectors to inspect and guide all coastal localities with fishing vessels in thoroughly preparing content for working sessions with the EC inspection mission.

The Deputy Prime Minister assigned specific tasks to each ministry, sector, and locality to investigate and strictly handle brokerage networks and organizations that, if any, arrange for fishing vessels or fishermen to illegally fish in foreign waters; as well as acts of falsifying dossiers and committing fraud in the supply chain and consignments showing signs of IUU violations.

At the same time, efforts are to be strengthened in patrolling and controlling sea areas bordering other countries; tightly controlling fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; resolutely preventing vessels that do not meet requirements from departing; stepping up information and communication on IUU fishing prevention; strictly managing “three-no” fishing vessels and vessels that do not meet operating conditions; thoroughly handling incidents related to vessels losing VMS connection or crossing boundaries; and taking responsibility for completing case files and imposing administrative penalties on violating vessels.

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