Coastal provinces nationwide are tightening fisheries management, digitising data systems, and supporting fishermen in transitioning towards legal and sustainable fishing practices.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE), coastal localities have implemented a wide range of measures to prevent IUU fishing. Port inspections, vessel monitoring and digitalisation of fisheries data have been strengthened, significantly improving management efficiency.

The provinces have also supported fishermen in upgrading vessel monitoring systems (VMS), accessing financial resources, receiving training, and restructuring production to ensure long-term sustainable and legal fishing practices.

Nationwide vessel data fully digitised

The latest government report shows that all 79,360 fishing vessels nationwide have been registered and updated in the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase). Nearly 100% of vessels required to carry VMS have installed the system and are monitored throughout their entire journeys.

The Prime Minister has instructed local authorities to strictly prohibit unqualified vessels from going to sea and to take strong actions against interference or tampering with monitoring devices.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasised that linking VNFishbase with electronic logbooks, the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), and the administrative violation database will create transparent electronic records for every vessel, ensuring traceability of all catches.

Localities lead nationwide IUU prevention efforts

The northern province of Quang Ninh currently manages 4,093 vessels, achieving 100% registration and licensing. Vessel monitoring is strictly enforced, and no cases of violations in foreign waters have been recorded since early 2025. A serious case involving interference with the VMS system has been prosecuted, demonstrating the province’s strong stance against violations.

In the central province of Nghe An, data on all fishing vessels has been standardised, unqualified vessels have been reviewed and recalled, and 100% of port arrivals and departures are monitored. In addition to technical controls, the province supports fishermen in upgrading VMS equipment, transitioning to alternative livelihoods and accessing financial resources.

Towards responsible and sustainable fisheries

The combination of comprehensive data management, enhanced monitoring and supportive policies for fishermen has created a solid foundation for Vietnam’s goal of lifting the EU “yellow card” in 2025.

Deputy Minister Tien noted that Vietnam has made significant improvements in fisheries governance, laying the groundwork for a responsible, transparent and internationally compliant fishing industry. The MoAE has submitted to the Government its plan for receiving the next EC inspection mission, reflecting the country’s strongest commitment to eliminating IUU fishing.

Gov’t shows resolve to lift EC yellow card, combat IUU fishing

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to combatting IUU fishing and lifting the European Commission’s (EC) yellow card by 2025, at the 23rd online meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fighting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, on November 25.