Hanoi: Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has requested ministries, agencies, and localities to maintain rigorous review of the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, not only in terms of administrative sanctions but also through inspections that verify the full delivery of directives issued by the Government, the PM, and the Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing. Chairing the committee's 31st meeting in Hanoi on February 24, which virtually connected with 22 coastal localities, Ha stressed the urgency of fixing inconsistencies and gaps in data across different systems.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure that all governmental directives are thoroughly implemented. The focus is on not just penalizing offenders but also ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately prepared and informed to combat IUU fishing effectively. The measures include enhancing the accuracy and reliability of data systems to monitor and regulate fishing activities, thereby closing any loopholes that could be exploited.

The Steering Committee's meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among various sectors and localities to address the challenges in combating IUU fishing. The Deputy Prime Minister's directive aims to bolster the nation's efforts in meeting international standards and possibly lifting the European Commission's yellow card, which signifies a warning for non-compliance with sustainable fishing regulations.