Vietnam possesses a vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 1 million km² with abundant seafood resources, providing livelihoods for millions of people. However, before 2017, traditional fishing practices and unsynchronized management infrastructure led the European Commission (EC) to issue a "Yellow Card" warning against Vietnam's fisheries industry on October 23, 2017. Since then, the entire political system has intervened decisively to implement four groups of EC recommendations: institutional completion, fleet control systems, traceability, and law enforcement.
- Institutional Completion: A Solid Legal Foundation
One of the most outstanding achievements is the development of a legal system that is both strong and deterrent. Following the 2017 Fisheries Law, Vietnam took a major step forward when the National Assembly passed Law No. 146/2025/QH15 on December 11, 2025, amending 15 laws, including the Fisheries Law, to ensure management flexibility.
Additionally, new decrees such as Decree No. 41/2026/ND-CP (replacing Decree 26/2019) and Decree No. 301/2025/ND-CP on administrative sanctions have specified the responsibilities of both ship owners and captains. Fines have been increased up to 1 billion VND for individuals and 2 billion VND for organizations. Notably, the Council of Justices of the Supreme People's Court issued Resolution No. 04/2024/ND-HĐTP to allow for the criminal prosecution of serious acts, such as taking vessels to fish illegally in foreign waters or tampering with/sending VMS devices.
- Fleet Management and Vessel Monitoring Systems (MCS)
Fleet management has become orderly thanks to the application of digital technology. As of December 31, 2025, Vietnam has registered and updated the information of 79,156 fishing vessels (6 meters or longer) into the VNFishbase national database. Remarkably, the number of fishing vessels has decreased by 24.3% compared to 2015, demonstrating the effectiveness of fleet reduction policies aimed at resource protection.
Regarding Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), by the end of 2025, 27,782 vessels of 15 meters or longer had installed VMS, reaching a rate of 99.46%. Any vessels without installations or licenses have been blacklisted, handed over to local authorities for strict management, and are not permitted to operate. New regulations also tighten 24/7 VMS operation requirements and mandate position reports every 6 hours if equipment fails at sea.
- Traceability: Transparency from Sea to Table
Vietnam has synchronously implemented the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability (eCDT) system nationwide. This system manages the entire process from port departure to arrival and unloading. In 2025, the system recorded 154,657 port entries via eCDT, a 132% increase compared to 2024. Nationally, there are 86 active fishing ports, with 72 designated for offshore vessels to unload products.
For imported seafood, Vietnam strictly adheres to the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). Fourteen seaports have been designated for the inspection of foreign vessels. In 2025, authorities inspected 22 foreign vessels and verified 290 container import files. Since the EC's 4th inspection in October 2023, no signs of violation have been detected in shipments exported to the EU.
- Law Enforcement and Violation Handling: No Exceptions
Violation handling has been carried out more thoroughly and strictly. The number of fishing vessels seized for violating foreign waters has decreased significantly from 235 vessels in 2017 to only 20 vessels in 2025. Vietnam has completely ended fishing violations in Pacific island nations.
Cases of VMS connection loss or boundary crossings are verified and heavily fined. In 2025, hundreds of connection loss violations were penalized with fines totaling tens of billions of VND. Furthermore, many criminal cases have been prosecuted with severe sentences; for example, the captains of vessels BV-4417-TS and BV-1182-TS received prison sentences of 7 years or more.
Regarding fraud in origin certification (SC/CC), Vietnam has dealt decisively with violating companies such as T&H Nha Trang and Thinh Hung. These companies were removed from the list of exporters to the EU, and many related fishing port officials faced disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
- Towards the Future: Green and Responsible Fisheries
Vietnam is committed to completely resolving remaining issues to develop a sustainable fisheries industry. The future roadmap focuses on:
- Full Digitization: Mandatory application of Electronic Logbooks (eLogbook) for vessels 24m and longer starting July 1, 2026, and for vessels 15m and longer starting September 1, 2026.
- Infrastructure Modernization: Investing in 11 key fishing ports using Central budget capital for the 2025-2030 period.
- Resource Conservation: Establishing marine protected areas and protected resource zones, while creating alternative livelihoods for fishermen through aquaculture, particularly mariculture.
- International Cooperation: Maintaining and expanding fishery cooperation mechanisms with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia to effectively prevent IUU fishing.
With support and advice from the EC, Vietnam's fishery management system has been refined to meet international standards. Removing the "Yellow Card" is not only an immediate goal but also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its reputation and competitiveness in the global seafood market, contributing to the construction of a sustainable blue economy.