Seas and islands
Lifting EC’s “Yellow Card”: Reviewing Fishing Fleets, Digitizing Data, and Handling Violations
On November 4, at the 20th meeting of the National Steering Committee for Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed ministries, sectors, and localities to simultaneously implement key tasks: review, license, and handle fishing vessels that fail to meet requirements; fully digitize fishery management data; and strictly investigate and penalize IUU violations both domestically and abroad. These efforts aim to have the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” lifted as soon as possible.
Seas and islands
Ho Chi Minh City Records No IUU Fishing Vessel Violations
On November 4, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ho Chi Minh City sent a report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment detailing the city’s implementation results in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Seas and islands
Unity For a Peaceful and Prosperous East Sea
The 17th International Scientific Conference on the East Sea, themed "Unity in Uncertainties," co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and its partner institutions, opened in Da Nang on November 3. The event brought together nearly 50 leading domestic and international speakers and more than 300 delegates from almost 40 countries and territories to share perspectives, promote dialogue, and strengthen cooperation for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous East Sea.
eCDT: Digital Key to Lifting IUU “Yellow Card”
As Vietnam’s fisheries sector strives to address the European Commission’s (EC) recommendations regarding the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, technology has emerged as a key factor in this effort. From fishermen’s smartphones to the electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT) system at fishing ports, digital data is enhancing transparency across the entire supply chain, providing a sustainable solution for origin control and international market integration.
Enhancing Regional Coordination in Fisheries Management and Combating IUU Fishing
At the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between Vietnam and its neighboring countries in fisheries management and in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. He regarded this as a regional task aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries development and lifting the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’s seafood products at the earliest possible time.
Vietnam, Malaysia Cooperate to Combat Illegal Fishing Activities
A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien recently held a working session with the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, aiming to promote bilateral cooperation in agriculture and the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.
Comrade's House Presented to the Family of Soldier in Difficult Circumstances
The Technical Assurance Center, Naval Region 2, in coordination with the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and the “For Beloved Hoang Sa - Truong Sa” Club, together with local Party committees and authorities, organized a handover ceremony of a “Comrade's House” for a soldier in difficult circumstances on October 10 in Long Thoi Hamlet, Long Binh Commune, Dong Thap Province.
Connected by the Moon: Fathers on Duty, Children in Celebration
The Command of Naval Region 2 recently organized a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration for the children of officers and soldiers from Brigade 171 and Battalion DK1.
“Moonlight of Sea” 2025: Meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival on Frontline Shores
To bring Mid-Autumn joy to children whose parents are serving on the frontlines safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty, Dantri Newspaper, in collaboration with the Navy Region 3 Command and with the support of the Vietnam Seas and Islands Association, organized the “Moonlight of the Sea” program 2025.
Vietnam Affirms Global Role And Responsibility Through WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
On the morning of September 15, 2025, at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Vietnam officially deposited its Instrument of Ratification of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (Fish 1).
COV Builds 2 Classrooms at Thon Cat School of Quang Ngai
Quang Ngai People's Committee has issued Decision No. 1013/QD-UBND dated September 10, 2025 approving the Project Document for the Construction of 02 classrooms at Thon Cat school, Tra Thanh Kindergarten, Thanh Bong commune, Quang Ngai province sponsored by Children of Vietnam (COV).
Joyful School Opening Ceremony in Truong Sa
In harmony with the nationwide atmosphere of the 2025-2026 school year opening, on the morning of September 5, the sound of school drums echoed across the islands of Truong Sa, Song Tu Tay, Sinh Ton, and Da Tay.
Meaningful Back-to-school Gifts for Students in Need
On the afternoon of September 3, in Phuoc Hai commune, Ho Chi Minh City, the 171st Brigade, Naval Region 2 visited and gave gifts to Nguyen Le Phat Loc and Hoang Tuan Anh as the new school year approaches.
Truong Sa Military Doctors Swiftly Save Fisherman From Stroke
On August 25, military doctors on Truong Sa Island, under Brigade 146 of Navy Region 4, promptly rescued a fisherman from Quang Ngai Province who suffered a stroke and became paralyzed on one side while fishing at sea.
An Giang: Strict Inspections and Penalties for Fishing Violations at Sea
An Giang province is strengthening patrols, inspections, and control at sea, with a particular focus on closely monitoring “three no’s” fishing vessels (no registration, no license, no monitoring equipment), vessels at high risk of violating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, and those operating near the maritime boundaries of other countries.
Moved by Hundreds of Handwritten Letters from Schoolchildren Sent to Truong Sa Archipelago
On the morning of August 4, in Bac Cam Ranh Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Naval Region 4 Command held a ceremony to deliver hundreds of handwritten letters from students at Van Bao Primary School (Hanoi) to officers, soldiers, and residents of the Truong Sa special zone.
Hue: Improving Fishermen's Livelihoods and Raising Legal Awareness for Offshore Fishing
On August 1, the program "Lighting the Sea with Fishermen" took place in Hue City, offering various practical gifts, including medical kits, battery sets, and light bulbs to local fishermen, with the aim of encouraging and supporting them to continue venturing offshore and maintaining their livelihoods at sea.
Naval Region 1 Takes Proactive Measures in Response to Storm No. 3 (Wipha)
The Command of Naval Region 1 has issued directives and implemented various proactive and active measures to prevent and respond to Storm No. 3 (Wipha), particularly for units stationed in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.
An Giang: “Comrade's House” Handed Over to Soldier Facing Housing Difficulties
In Rach Gia Ward (An Giang), the Naval Region 5 Command held a handover ceremony for a “Comrade's House” to a soldier experiencing housing difficulties while serving at the unit on July 2.
Spreading the Love for the Fatherland from the Sea and Islands
From May 23 to 29, Working Delegation No. 25, comprising 100 leaders and journalists from media agencies across the country, visited officers, soldiers, and civilians on the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago and DK1 platform.
Vietnam Endorses Common Voice on Ocean Jurisdiction
Former Chief of the Government's Border Committee Tran Cong Truc affirmed that Vietnam’s consistent policy is to resolve maritime disputes through peaceful means, demonstrating its support for the global legal system.
Dialogue as Key to Settling Disputes and Advancing Law of the Sea
On May 7 in Hanoi, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in Vietnam and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, co-hosted the 14th Ocean Dialogue under the theme "Dispute Settlement Mechanisms: UNCLOS' Indispensable Guardians."
RoK Navy Ship Pays Friendly Visit to Da Nang City
On May 4, the Republic of Korea (RoK) Navy destroyer Kang Gam Chan, commanded by Colonel Kwon Yong Gu and carrying a crew of 296 officers, arrived at Tien Sa Port, marking the beginning of a friendly visit to Da Nang City, which will take place from May 4 to 6.