The European Commission (EC) delegation is impressed with Vietnam’s efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Veronika Veits, director for EC’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, was quoted by the Government Portal as saying.

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung (r) and Veronika Veits, director for EC’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Source: VGP.

Vietnam’s political system has showed strong determination and commitment in IUU fishing combat, said Veits in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung in Hanoi on November 14, following a two-week inspection trip of an EC delegation led by her in Vietnam to review the country’s progress in addressing IUU fishing since it was penalized by the EU with yellow card two years ago for failing to do it.

Veits stressed that a change of mindset of the local authorities and active participation of the people are vital to ensure a comprehensive and consistent implementation of the government’s steps to deal with IUU fishing.

As of present, Vietnam has set up a complete legal framework, including the Law on Fisheries and other legal documents, that is in line with international standards to tackle IUU fishing, said Veits.

On this basis, Veits requested the government and local authorities to step up efforts tp prevent local fishermen from fishing in other countries’ waters, a crucial point for the yellow card to be lifted.

Veits suggested installing monitoring devices on fishing vessels, especially large ones, as well as strict punishment measures against those that deliberately violate regulations on using navigation apps.

At the meeting, Deputy PM Dung stressed Vietnam targets to develop a modern, sustainable and responsible fisheries sector, focusing on preventing IUU fishing.

Dung, however, added a complete end of IUU fishing would take time, requesting support from the EC and other countries.

According to Dung, Vietnam would continue to finalize the legal framework to deal with the issue, while there have been differences in law enforcement between Vietnam and the EU.

Dung expected the EC delegation to soon lift the yellow card against Vietnam.