HCMC – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has called for urgent measures to address the issue of fishing vessels losing connection with their Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS).
This move aims to help Vietnam cope with the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Speaking at a meeting with the Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on August 7, Quang emphasized the need for early detection and resolution of VMS disconnections.
He warned that failing to resolve this issue could lead to a “red card,” severely impacting Vietnam’s seafood exports to the European Union.
Quang assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to coordinate with relevant departments to address technical issues and data exchange concerning VMS disconnections. The Ministry of Information and Communications was instructed to ensure uninterrupted satellite connectivity for fishing vessels until the EC makes a final decision.
The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with investigating VMS disconnection cases, including those related to inadequate operation of communication and monitoring equipment. The Ministry of National Defense was directed to have border forces strictly monitor fishing vessels’ departures and arrivals at ports.
Tra Dinh Luan, director general of the Directorate of Fisheries, said that over 98% of fishing vessels are equipped with VMS. However, VMS disconnections continued in several localities from early 2023 to the end of July, with enforcement mainly involving warnings and reminders.
