Vietnam provinces strengthen fishing management to combat IUU fishing

Authorities in the Vietnamese provinces of Ha Tinh and Quang Tri are intensifying fishing fleet management and electronic traceability to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These measures aim to address shortcomings in vessel monitoring and enforcement to help the European Commission lift its “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood exports.

In Quang Tri, officials are reviewing vessels and guiding owners through mandatory documentation, including food safety commitments. While 99.2% of the province's 4,621 fishing vessels hold licenses, dozens remain ineligible to operate. Local authorities are also exploring occupational conversion support for those unable to meet regulations. Similarly, Ha Tinh is reinforcing electronic traceability and vessel surveillance to ensure compliance with international standards.