Gỡ ‘thẻ vàng’ IUU: Cơ hội để thủy sản Việt Nam mở rộng thị trường và phát triển bền vững | VTV24

Key Concepts

• EUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing: Fishing activities that violate national laws and international regulations.
• Yellow Card: A warning issued by the European Commission (EC) to countries that are not taking sufficient action to combat EUU fishing.
• VMS (Vessel Monitoring System): A system that uses satellite technology to track the location and activities of fishing vessels.
• ECDT (Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability): An electronic system for documenting and tracing seafood catches.
• Sustainable Fisheries Development: The management of fisheries in a way that ensures their long-term viability and ecological health.

Comprehensive Summary of YouTube Video Transcript

This transcript details Vietnam's intensified efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (EUU) fishing, aiming to lift the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card" warning and foster sustainable development of its fisheries sector. The discussion features insights from Mr. Vũ Duyên Hải, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Fisheries and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

1. Intensified Campaign Against EUU Fishing

The Vietnamese government, under the directive of the Prime Minister, has launched a high-profile campaign to combat EUU fishing. This initiative involves a synchronized effort from various ministries and local authorities, focusing on digitizing vessel monitoring systems and pursuing criminal prosecution of masterminds. The overarching goal is to remove the EU's yellow card and ensure the sustainable development of Vietnam's fisheries.

• Timeline: The campaign is framed against the backdrop of the EC's yellow card issued on October 23, 2017, marking eight years of persistent efforts and reforms.
• Scope: 21 coastal provinces are participating in this high-intensity period, with a firm commitment to eradicating EUU violations and preventing new ones.
• Specific Targets:
  • Eliminate VMS disconnections lasting over 6 hours by mid-November.
  • Prevent failure to report vessel positions.
  • Prevent 10-day VMS disconnections without vessels returning to shore.
  • Prevent vessels from exceeding authorized fishing boundaries.

2. Technological and Administrative Measures

A multi-pronged approach combining technology and administrative reforms is being implemented to enhance control and traceability.

• Software Interconnection: Software for managing fisheries, border guards, and police will be interconnected by October 30th to ensure clear identification of all vessel owners linked to the national population database.
• VNEID Platform: The application of a vessel and fisherman management system on the VNEID platform will track all fishing vessels and crew from departure to the end of their voyages.
• VMS Installation: The Prime Minister has mandated that all fishing vessels complete VMS equipment installation this week, aiming for 100% coverage.
• Data Monitoring: The Prime Minister has requested weekly evaluations of provincial and ministerial performance in combating EUU fishing, with clear accountability assigned.

3. Legal and Enforcement Actions

Stricter legal frameworks and enforcement are central to the campaign.

• Criminal Prosecution: Authorities are actively pursuing criminal charges against individuals involved in EUU fishing.
• Revised Penalties: The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is tasked with completing a draft decree amending Decree 38 on administrative penalties in the fisheries sector by October 25th. This amendment will significantly increase penalties for serious violations, including fishermen absconding abroad, VMS disconnections, and exceeding fishing boundaries, with potential confiscation of assets.
• Focus on Foreign Waters Violations: Special attention is being given to consolidating cases and prosecuting violations related to illegal fishing in foreign waters, in accordance with Supreme People's Court rulings, to create a strong deterrent.
• High-Value Violations: The revised Decree 38 will cover the entire fisheries value chain, from fishermen and vessel owners to buyers, processors, and exporters, ensuring no violations are overlooked. Penalties will be increased to ensure comprehensive deterrence.

4. Technological Solutions for Traceability and Control

Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and preventing illegal activities.

• ECDT System: The development and deployment of the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability (ECDT) system are underway. This system will be interconnected with VMS data from the Ministry of Defense and fisheries management data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Data Integration: The ECDT system will connect with various databases, including the population database (Ministry of Public Security), Ministry of Defense data, and Border Guard systems. This integration aims to provide comprehensive control over every fishing trip, port call, and catch, with all data being digitized.
• International Alignment: Vietnam's ECDT system is being made compatible with the EU's eCatch system and the FAO's CDS system, facilitating transparent and fraud-proof traceability to prevent the infiltration of EUU products into global supply chains.
• National Single Window: Integration with the National Single Window customs system will allow for the immediate identification and handling of any EUU products at ports, ensuring that all seafood processed and exported from Vietnam is compliant.

5. Long-Term Vision: Sustainable and Responsible Fisheries

The ultimate goal extends beyond lifting the yellow card to establishing a transparent, responsible, and sustainable fisheries sector.

• Digital Transformation: The sustainable development of fisheries hinges on digital transformation and end-to-end traceability of the entire fishing system.
• Fleet Management: Key performance indicators will focus on managing and monitoring the fishing fleet, ensuring traceability, and strictly enforcing administrative penalties.
• High-Risk Vessels: High-risk vessels will be prohibited from fishing. For example, Bình Định province has grounded 366 such vessels, providing them with monthly rice rations and financial support, a model other provinces are encouraged to adopt.
• Restructuring the Sector: The yellow card removal is seen as a catalyst for restructuring the fisheries sector by reducing the number of fishing vessels, decreasing fishing intensity, and focusing on high-value products to enhance Vietnam's international reputation.
• Legal Framework: Vietnam's Fisheries Law is considered advanced and aligned with international standards, providing a strong foundation for combating EUU fishing.
• Future Development (by 2030):
  • Sustainable and Responsible Development: The sector will focus on sustainable and responsible development, enhanced international cooperation, and effective global integration.
  • Pillar 1: Resource Protection: Strengthening the protection of fishery resources through comprehensive planning and the establishment of 27 marine protected areas and 149 fishery resource protection zones.
  • Pillar 2: Aquaculture Development: Promoting offshore aquaculture with a submitted plan for government approval, aiming to reduce reliance on fishing, decrease the number of fishing vessels, and transition fishermen to aquaculture and other stable livelihoods.
  • Pillar 3: Job Creation and Transition: Developing offshore aquaculture to create jobs for fishermen and facilitate their transition to new professions, thereby reducing the number of fishing vessels. Vietnam is committed to a sustainable reduction in its fishing fleet and has policies in place to prevent the issuance of new licenses for destructive fishing methods.
• Fishermen's Role: The active participation and understanding of fishermen regarding the long-term benefits of adhering to fishing regulations are crucial for sustainable fisheries development.

6. Conclusion

The comprehensive and resolute efforts by Vietnam's entire political system, coupled with robust technological, legal, and enforcement measures, are expected to lead to the lifting of the EU's yellow card. More importantly, these initiatives lay the groundwork for a sustainable and responsible fisheries sector, elevating Vietnam's position in the global market.