HCMC – The Government has proposed strict sanctions against brokers involved in facilitating Vietnamese fishing boats’ Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in foreign waters.
The Government Office has issued Notice No. 468 indicating the conclusion of a deputy prime minister at a recent meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on addressing urgent challenges in the fishery and agriculture sectors, according to the Government’s news site at baochinhphu.vn
The notice said the Ministry of Public Security is tasked with expediting prosecutions related to these brokerage activities. They are currently gathering evidence and collaborating with relevant agencies to remove any obstacles hindering the investigation and prosecution of individuals and organizations involved in IUU fishing.
Coastal province chairpersons have been instructed to take immediate measures to halt IUU fishing operations in anticipation of the European Commission’s site inspection scheduled for April 2024. Additionally, authorities are required to impose penalties for violations that occurred during the past year, including IUU fishing in foreign waters and the failure to maintain an active video management system (VMS), by December 30, 2023.
The deputy prime minister also emphasized the need for close coordination between local authorities and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure stringent monitoring of fishing boats, thereby preventing any violations of IUU fishing practices.
Inspections will also be carried out on aqua-product exporters to identify organizations involved in the illegal validation of certification documents for exported products.
