Hanoi: Efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing must go beyond lifting the European Commission (EC)’s ‘yellow card’ warning to develop a sustainable fisheries sector and protect Vietnam’s reputation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed at a meeting on September 23. Addressing the 14th meeting of the National Steering Committee for IUU Fishing Prevention and Control, PM Chinh stated that combating IUU fishing is not merely about having the ‘yellow card’ removed but about enforcing strict management of the fishing fleet and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
According to Vietnam News Agency, Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that the nation should focus on long-term strategies to prevent IUU fishing, which involves ensuring compliance with international standards and regulations. The Prime Minister urged stakeholders to collaborate and take decisive actions to monitor and control fishing activities effectively. The prime objective is to enhance Vietnam’s fisheries sector, ensuring it remains robust and reputable internationally.