Vietnam’s Fight Against Illegal Fishing Intensifies

Vietnam has taken major steps since receiving a yellow card from the European Commission (EC) in 2017 for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Despite the warning still in place, the country has made structural reforms. These aim to align Vietnam’s fisheries management with international standards and EU requirements. The government’s efforts focus on legal updates, fleet control, traceability, and enforcement to secure the yellow card’s removal.

Legal Reforms and Political Commitment

Vietnam has modernised its legal framework with 11 new circulars and two decrees. These changes address real-world challenges in fisheries management. In April 2024, the Communist Party issued Directive 32 to strengthen national leadership on IUU prevention and sustainable fishing. The government and the Supreme People’s Court followed with resolutions and guidance to enforce criminal penalties for illegal fishing and trade. The Prime Minister now directly oversees the fight against IUU fishing, calling it a ‘declaration of war’. This high-level political will is crucial for consistent enforcement.

Fleet Management Enhancements

Fleet control has tightened . Data from VNFishbase, police, and military sources now align, covering 79,360 registered vessels. Over 7,000 boats of 15 metres or more and 4,000 boats of 24 metres or more are under strict monitoring. Local authorities prevent unqualified vessels from going to sea. Weekly supervision reports are sent to the central government. Administrative backlogs on violations have nearly cleared, with only 0.33 per cent pending. Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) are widely installed and track boats from departure to landing, improving transparency and reducing illegal activities at sea.

Digitalisation and Traceability Systems

Vietnam is expanding digital tools nationwide. Electronic logbooks, VNeID vessel identification, and synchronised fleet data enhance monitoring. Traceability systems are in place at ports and processing plants. Catch certificates link to export certificates creating a secure chain of custody. These digital advances help ensure accountability and meet EU traceability standards. They also support enforcement and reduce opportunities for illegal fishing and trade.

Local Enforcement and International Cooperation

Local authorities play a key role in daily vessel management and compliance. The government has promoted communication campaigns, legal training, and outreach to fishermen and businesses. Cooperation with international organisations helps Vietnam adopt modern fisheries management practices. The EC has recognised these improvements, especially in traceability and vessel control. However, lifting the yellow card depends on sustained enforcement at the grassroots level and avoiding any regression.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Vietnam aims to have the yellow card lifted in 2025. Success depends on maintaining reforms and strong political will. Continued coordination between government, local authorities, and stakeholders is vital. Vietnam seeks to build a sustainable and competitive fisheries sector that meets global standards and protects marine resources for the future.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Taking example of Vietnam’s fisheries reforms, discuss the role of political will and legal frameworks in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
2. Examine the impact of digital technologies such as Vessel Monitoring Systems and electronic logbooks on sustainable fisheries management in developing countries.
3. Analyse the challenges of enforcing environmental regulations at the local level. How can decentralised governance improve compliance in sectors like fisheries?
4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of international cooperation and trade regulations in addressing marine resource conservation and illegal fishing practices.

Answer Hints:

1. Taking example of Vietnam’s fisheries reforms, discuss the role of political will and legal frameworks in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

1. Vietnam updated its legal system with 11 circulars and 2 decrees aligning laws with practical fisheries challenges.
2. Directive 32 (2024) by the Party strengthened national leadership on IUU prevention and sustainable fishing.
3. The Government and Supreme People’s Court issued resolutions and guidance enforcing criminal penalties for illegal fishing and trade.
4. Prime Minister’s direct oversight, calling it a ‘declaration of war’ against IUU, ensured high-level political commitment.
5. Coherent legal framework supports enforcement, compliance, and structural reforms beyond temporary fixes.
6. Political will enabled coordinated action across ministries, local authorities, and enforcement agencies, crucial for sustained results.

2. Examine the impact of digital technologies such as Vessel Monitoring Systems and electronic logbooks on sustainable fisheries management in developing countries.

1. Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) track boats from departure to landing, enhancing transparency and reducing illegal fishing.
2. Electronic logbooks digitize catch data, improving traceability and accountability along the supply chain.
3. Integration of VNeID vessel identification and fleet data synchronization supports comprehensive fleet management.
4. Digital traceability systems link catch certificates to export certificates, meeting international trade and EU standards.
5. Technology enables real-time monitoring, timely enforcement, and data-driven policymaking.
6. Adoption of digital tools helps developing countries align with global fisheries governance and enhances market access.

3. Analyse the challenges of enforcing environmental regulations at the local level. How can decentralised governance improve compliance in sectors like fisheries?

1. Local authorities often face resource constraints and lack technical capacity for effective enforcement.
2. Fragmented data and poor coordination between agencies can hinder timely detection and punishment of violations.
3. Decentralised governance empowers local bodies to monitor vessels, crews, and fishing activities directly.
4. Regular supervision reports and local-level inspections improve accountability and responsiveness.
5. Community engagement and outreach increase awareness and voluntary compliance among fishermen and businesses.
6. Decentralisation allows tailored solutions reflecting local conditions, improving enforcement efficiency and sustainability.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the importance of international cooperation and trade regulations in addressing marine resource conservation and illegal fishing practices.

1. Vietnam’s cooperation with international organizations helped adopt EU-aligned fisheries management standards.
2. EU’s yellow card system pressures countries to reform or face trade restrictions, incentivizing compliance.
3. Trade regulations linking catch documentation to export certificates ensure traceability and prevent illegal fish entering markets.
4. International collaboration facilitates sharing of best practices, technology transfer, and capacity building.
5. Joint enforcement and information exchange help combat transboundary IUU fishing activities.
6. Global frameworks like FAO’s Port State Measures Agreement support harmonized efforts against illegal fishing worldwide.