Vietnam Weekly Updates Fishing Vessel Lists to Combat IUU Fishing

Vietnam is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a critical issue for its seafood exports, particularly concerning the European Union. Provincial authorities are now updating lists of fishing vessels weekly to ensure compliance.

Despite progress, significant hurdles persist. Managing the volume of catches at ports, identifying vessels that do not meet regulatory requirements (often referred to as 'three-no' vessels), and the effective implementation of the eCDT system for seafood traceability remain key bottlenecks. The eCDT system is designed to track and verify the origin of seafood products.

These ongoing challenges are under scrutiny as the EU evaluates Vietnam's commitment to eradicating IUU fishing. Addressing these management and traceability issues is crucial for maintaining market access and the reputation of Vietnam's vital seafood industry.