Mr. Quang was speaking at a teleconference with 28 coastal localities on solutions to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and to make preparations for the EC’s upcoming inspection in October.

Local authorities must uphold the highest responsibility, inspect and manage the implementation of regulations against IUU fishing and disallow fishing vessels to violate foreign waters, he said.

According the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, more than 100,000 vessels with a length of 6 meters or more have been equipped with a vessel monitoring system (VMS). Most vessels without the VMS are no longer in operation. Communication on IUU fishing has been intensified. 

“It’s crucial to sanction violators, particularly vessels infringing on foreign waters. As long as the EC’s yellow card is in place, our seafood exports will be adversely affected,” said Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.