Hanoi: Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on December 23 stressed the need to standardise data across agencies and localities on issues flagged by the European Commission (EC), as Vietnam seeks to have the EC’s ‘yellow card’ against its seafood exports lifted. The goal is both to have the ‘yellow card’ removed and to develop the domestic seafood sector sustainably and responsibly, shifting focus from wild capture to aquaculture, he told at a meeting of the national steering committee for combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

According to Vietnam News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highlighted the importance of collaboration between different sectors and levels of government to ensure that data related to IUU fishing is consistent and reliable. This data standardisation is seen as crucial in addressing the concerns raised by the EC, which had issued the ‘yellow card’ as a warning to Vietnam about its seafood export practices.

The Deputy Prime Minister further emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of regulations against IUU fishing, which is critical to protecting marine resources and ensuring the long-term viability of the seafood industry. By transitioning from wild capture to a more controlled aquaculture approach, Vietnam aims to meet international standards and improve the sustainability of its seafood exports.

The meeting of the national steering committee for combating IUU fishing also discussed various strategies to enhance monitoring and control measures. This includes investing in technology and improving the capacity of local authorities to detect and prevent illegal fishing activities. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed confidence that with coordinated efforts, Vietnam could overcome the challenges posed by the ‘yellow card’ and achieve a more sustainable seafood industry.