In a high-level effort to affirm Vietnam's commitment to international seafood harvesting standards, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment officially submitted a comprehensive report to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG-MARE) on January 5, 2026. This report not only summarizes impressive figures regarding the results of the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing but also opens a vision for a sustainable, responsible, and transparent fisheries industry.
- From Historical Challenges to the Highest Political Determination
Vietnam possesses a vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 1 million km² with rich seafood reserves of more than 2,000 fish species, providing livelihoods for millions. However, prior to 2017, harvesting activities were heavily traditional and small-scale, with management infrastructure that did not meet requirements, leading the European Commission (EC) to issue a "yellow card" warning on October 23, 2017.
Since then, the fight against IUU fishing has evolved from a sectoral task into a "political mandate" for the entire system. The Communist Party of Vietnam identified this as an opportunity to reorganize, modernize, and transition toward a blue sea economic strategy. Key directives, such as Directive No. 32-CT/TW, have mobilized the entire society, while a National Steering Committee led by a Deputy Prime Minister ensures seamless implementation from the Central level to every local fishing port.
- Institutional Breakthroughs: A "Strong and Deterrent" Legal System
A standout achievement is the completion of a legal framework that closely aligns with EC recommendations. Vietnam has continuously reformed its laws, from the 2017 Law on Fisheries to the latest amendments effective as of January 1, 2026.
- Law No. 146/2025/QH15: Adjusted 15 related laws to increase flexibility for the Government and Ministers in rapidly handling IUU situations.
- Decree No. 301/2025/NĐ-CP: Clearly stipulates that both ship owners and captains are subject to penalties, significantly increasing fines to deter violations at the source.
- Criminal Prosecution: Resolution No. 04/2024/NĐ-HĐTP allows for the criminal handling of serious acts, such as removing vessel monitoring systems (VMS) or taking fishing vessels illegally into foreign waters.
Notably, the new legal system permits sanctions in absentia for those intentionally evading authorities, ensuring all violations are strictly handled.
- Fleet Management and Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS): Comprehensive Digitalization
Fleet management has taken a leap forward through digital technology. Vietnam has built a national fisheries database (VNFishbase) directly linked to the national population database (VNeID).
- Fleet Reduction: The results of this policy are very positive; the number of vessels decreased from over 104,542 in 2015 to 79,156 by the end of 2025 (a 24.3% reduction).
- VMS Installation: As of December 31, 2025, 99.46% of fishing vessels 15 meters or longer have installed monitoring devices.
- Port Control: The eCDT (electronic traceability) system has been deployed synchronously, providing 100% transparency of vessel routes from departure to arrival.
- Traceability: Ensuring Transparency from "Sea to Table"
Vietnam's fishing port system has been powerfully planned and upgraded. Currently, 86 ports are operational, with 51 qualified to certify the origin of harvested seafood.
The surge in the eCDT system during 2025 demonstrates successful digital transformation: vessel departures on the system increased by 104.41%, and arrivals increased by 132.13% compared to 2024. Vietnam also strictly implements the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), having inspected 22 foreign vessels and appraised 290 container import dossiers in 2025 to ensure no IUU products enter the supply chain.
- Law Enforcement: Ending Tolerance
Vietnam has proven through action that there are "no forbidden zones" in handling IUU violations.
- Foreign Water Violations: The number of vessels seized by foreign authorities dropped from 235 in 2017 to 20 in 2025.
- Handling VMS Disconnection: The monitoring system has helped strictly handle cases of disconnection for over 6 hours or 10 days, with fines reaching tens of billions of VND in 2025 alone.
- Landmark Swordfish Case: To clean up the industry, Vietnam prosecuted cases of "forging documents" and "deceiving customers" involving T&H Nha Trang Co., Ltd. and Thinh Hung Co., Ltd.. These businesses were removed from the EU export list, and related port officials received prison sentences or disciplinary actions.
- Toward the Future: Sustainable and Responsible Development
Vietnam's vision extends beyond just removing the "yellow card" toward long-term sustainability.
- Infrastructure: The Prime Minister approved investments to upgrade 11 key fishing ports for the 2025–2030 period.
- Alternative Livelihoods: Focus is placed on developing marine aquaculture to support fishermen as the fleet is reduced.
- International Cooperation: Vietnam is committed to maintaining dialogue and sharing information with regional partners like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Crucially, the eCDT system will be interconnected with the EU's CATCH system starting January 1, 2026.
Through tireless effort, Vietnam has basically resolved the EC's recommendations. Removing the "yellow card" is not only an economic goal but also a matter of national pride and international prestige. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment requests that DG-MARE provide a positive assessment and soon dispatch the 5th inspection team to Vietnam to recognize these revolutionary changes.