Ho chi minh city: Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as Vietnam prepares for the European Commission’s (EC) fifth on-site inspection, part of the country’s ongoing effort to have the commission’s ‘yellow card’ warning lifted. The city currently has more than 4,450 fishing vessels in operation. For vessels measuring 15 meters or longer, the installation rate of voyage monitoring systems (VMS) has reached over 99%.

According to Vietnam News Agency, this initiative is a critical step in ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations and addressing the concerns raised by the European Commission. The installation of VMS on a significant majority of the city’s larger fishing vessels is a testament to the city’s commitment to transparency and regulation of its fishing activities.

Vietnam has been under scrutiny since the European Commission issued a ‘yellow card’ warning due to concerns over IUU fishing practices. The warning serves as a cautionary signal that can lead to trade restrictions if not addressed. The upcoming EC inspection is a pivotal moment for the country as it seeks to demonstrate substantial progress and commitment to sustainable fishing practices.

The local authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are working closely with fishing communities to ensure compliance and to educate stakeholders on the importance of sustainable fishing. This collaboration is seen as essential for the long-term viability of Vietnam’s fishing industry and its access to European markets.