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Regarding seafood traceability complications related to the con- It states that, firstly, it is crucial
regulations, Mr. Cuong emphasized firmed shipments,” Mr. Cuong said. With the fisheries to acknowledge that the fight
the strict monitoring of catches “Local authorities are continuing industry still developing against IUU fishing falls on the
during unloading at all ports, includ- to investigate and address cases of in an unsustainable shoulders of the entire political
ing private ones. This focus extends ‘laundered fish’, as the EC advised manner, Vietnam has structure as well as society.
to vessels over 15 meters, targeting during its fourth inspection.” been unable to remove Secondly, there is an urgent
the IUU “yellow card”
tuna, swordfish, and sailfish, as well issued by the European need to review and refine policies
as logistics support vessels engaged Political engagement needed Commission (EC). Party and laws, introducing stricter
in fishing activities. With a firm commitment to agencies, localities, the penalties to boost the effectiveness
All information pertaining to have the EC’s “yellow card” lifted, Vietnam Fatherland of the fight. Emphasis should be
seafood traceability and daily the Party Central Committee’s Front and other placed on policies concerning aqua-
unloading at ports has been regularly Secretariat issued Directive No. socio-political culture, fishing practices, and safe-
updated for the EC inspection team’s 32-CT/TW on April 10, empha- organizations need to guarding the sustainable develop-
monitoring. Since January this year, sizing the need to enhance the focus on accomplishing ment of fishery resources.
a number of crucial
an Electronic Catch Documentation Party’s leadership in addressing and urgent tasks in Thirdly, the comprehensive
and Traceability (eCDT) system has IUU fishing activities while pro- order to effectively reassessment and regular updating
been undergoing trial implemen- moting the sustainable growth of combat illegal fishing. of the national fishing vessel data-
tation, with accounts distributed the fisheries sector. base are essential. Strengthening
to 79,747 fishing vessels, 147 ports, The Directive highlights that, the oversight of fishing vessels,
172 border posts, 28 fisheries sub- in recent years, the fisheries indus- patrol craft, fishing ports, and
departments, and 89 processing try has experienced continuous fleets is also necessary, alongside
plants and businesses. growth and emerged as a pivotal taking decisive action against unli-
Furthermore, the effective economic sector. It annually pro- censed and unregistered vessels.
enforcement of the Port State Meas- duces over 9 million tons of Lastly, it is crucial to enhance
ures Agreement (PSMA), which seafood and contributes approxi- international collaboration, par-
empowers port officials to deny mately 30 per cent to the agricul- ticularly with Europe and the
access and services to foreign vessels tural sector’s GDP. Vietnam’s EU. Diplomatic efforts should be
suspected of illegal activity, also seafood exports head to 170 coun- intensified to garner support from
contributes to preventing IUU fish- tries and territories, ranking it stakeholders for the prompt
ing. From October 2023 to March third globally, and the sector pro- removal of the “yellow card”. Addi-
15, 2024, meanwhile, confirmation vides employment for millions of tionally, proactive diplomatic
had been received for 394 ship- workers, contributing significantly engagement is needed when Viet-
ments with 8,995 tons of 15 seafood to socio-economic development namese fishing vessels and fish-
species for importation. “There and upholding the country’s sov- ermen are detained in disputed
have been no reported issues or ereignty and maritime rights. maritime areas. %

28 Vietnam Economic Times May 1, 2024 en.vneconomy.vn