“Yellow card” warning motivates responsible, sustainable fishery (Photo: VNA)

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong told the National Assembly session Wednesday that Vietnam has revised the Law on Fisheries to incorporate the EC’s recommendations. These  include ensuring compliance with international and regional rules that apply to the conservation and management of fisheries resources; ensuring effective implementation and enforcement of Vietnam’s revised laws; and strengthening the implementation of international rules and management measures via higher level of sanctions.

Mr. Cuong said Vietnam is determined to fight IUU fishing in order to get the warning lifted. He said: “Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued an action plan to have the yellow card lifted involving 28 coastal provinces. The provincial People’s Committees are responsible for preventing IUU fishing. Vessels must report to provincial authorities after each catch. Following EU’s regulations, we will upgrade the infrastructure of the harbors.”  

A 7-member delegation of the European Parliament is on an inspection tour of Vietnam. During working sessions and field trips, they praised Vietnam’s efforts and said the EC recommendations are responsibilities of both sides for sustainable fishery development in Vietnam.