In recent years, Vietnam’s efforts to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have shown clear improvement. Awareness of compliance has increased among most fishermen and seafood enterprises, while vessel management has become more systematic with stronger monitoring at sea.

Authorities in Vietnam have begun a nationwide review of fishing vessels and digital monitoring systems amid continued efforts to tighten fishing activity.

The government leader emphasized the need to restructure the fishing fleet and workforce to ensure lawful operations, strengthen fisheries cooperation with neighboring countries, expand aquaculture, reduce offshore exploitation, and improve the material and spiritual well-being of fishing communities.

Ahead of the European Commission’s upcoming inspection, the general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers spoke about the warning’s impact and the government’s corrective actions, and how the country is preparing for the road ahead.

As of November 15, 2025, a total of 79,360 fishing vessels nationwide had been registered and updated in the national fisheries database (VNFishbase), reaching 100 percent.

Coast guard works with local authorities to educate fishers on maritime boundaries and prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Participants in a workshop held on November 13 agreed on the need for Vietnamese firms to shift from selling raw commodities to higher-value goods and from a volume-driven approach to a focus on sustainable quality when it comes to exports to the EU.

A mock trial on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing was held on November 12 as part of the government’s nationwide campaign to strengthen compliance and support Vietnam’s efforts to remove the European Commission’s “yellow card.”

As the year-end fishing season approaches, authorities in Vinh Long Province are stepping up measures to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, in line with national efforts to have the European Commission’s yellow card lifted.

The trials drew the attention of hundreds of local fishermen and residents, as they are part of the province’s efforts to raise public awareness about IUU violations and demonstrate strict law enforcement.

The government leader set the immediate target of addressing the European Commission’s special concerns right within next week, focusing on unregistered vessels, ineligible vessels, VMS-disconnected ones, and strict seafood origin control.

With 21 out of the total 34 cities and provinces bordering the sea, and more than half of the population living in coastal areas, fishermen, alongside the People’s Navy, Coast Guards and Border Guards, play an important role in national defense and security at sea.

As Vietnam prepares for the European Commission’s inspection in November, Ho Chi Minh City is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The coast guard and border guard forces have coordinated to raise awareness about combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and call on fishermen to secure their boats ahead of Storm No.13 in Ho Chi Minh City.

A key innovation is the integration of three reports – political, socio-economic, and Party-building – into a single political report, ensuring conciseness, consistency and comprehensiveness.

The government has announced stricter penalties and oversight measures to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and safeguard the country’s marine resources.

The Deputy Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment with drafting a proactive negotiation and engagement plan with the European Commission, with detailed responsibilities for central and local agencies.

Forces were tasked with assisting vessel owners, captains, and crew members in registering and verifying VNeID accounts to synchronize resident and vessel data. Public information campaigns should be stepped up to raise public awareness.

The Central Highlands provinces of Dak Lak and Lam Dong are stepping up efforts to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, holding local leaders accountable for lax management and mobilizing all forces to ensure full vessel registration and licensing compliance.

Vietnam and Malaysia agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to review and amend the Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation signed in April 2014, with a particular emphasis on sustainable fisheries and IUU prevention.

Embassy representatives met with officials from Sabah’s Prison Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s office in Sabah, and the management of the Kota Kinabalu detention facility to obtain detailed information about the case, the conditions of detention, and the ongoing investigation process.

Vietnam Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in Ho Chi Minh City on October 28 launched a campaign to strengthen patrol, inspection,

Vinh Long Province

Vinh Long Province, located in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam, has a rich history dating back to the Khmer Empire and later becoming a key area under the Nguyễn Dynasty. It is known for its lush orchards, floating markets, and traditional brick-making villages along the Tien and Hau Rivers. Today, Vinh Long is a popular destination for eco-tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage and riverine culture.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and serves as the country’s economic and cultural hub. Originally a small fishing village, it grew under French colonial rule in the 19th century into a major port and commercial center. The city played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, and after the war’s end in 1975, it was renamed in honor of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh.

Dak Lak

Dak Lak is a province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, renowned for its lush coffee plantations and the majestic Yok Don National Park. Its history is deeply tied to the indigenous Êđê and M’nông peoples, and it was a strategic area during the Vietnam War. The region’s cultural highlight is the Đôn Village, famous for its traditional elephant training and riding.

Lam Dong

Lam Dong is a province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes, including the popular hill station of Da Lat. Historically, it was developed as a resort area by French colonists in the early 20th century, who built villas and infrastructure to escape the lowland heat. Today, it is a major agricultural hub, famous for its flowers, coffee, and tea production.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich cultural diversity, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. Its history includes ancient Malay kingdoms, colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and independence in 1957. Today, it is a vibrant nation famous for landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and rainforests such as those in Borneo.

Sabah

Sabah is a Malaysian state located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo, known for its rich biodiversity, including Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Historically, it was part of the Bruneian Empire before being ceded to the British North Borneo Company in the late 19th century, and later became a British Crown Colony. Sabah joined Malaysia in 1963, and today it is celebrated for its diverse indigenous cultures and vibrant ecosystems.

Kota Kinabalu detention facility

The Kota Kinabalu detention facility, located in Sabah, Malaysia, has historically been used to hold undocumented migrants and asylum seekers, often from neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Its operations have drawn international criticism due to reports of overcrowding, poor conditions, and allegations of human rights abuses. The facility reflects broader regional challenges related to migration control and the treatment of stateless populations in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command

The Vietnam Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command is a key maritime law enforcement unit responsible for patrolling and protecting Vietnam’s central coastal waters, including the Spratly Islands. Established as part of the Vietnam Coast Guard, its history involves safeguarding national sovereignty, combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and conducting search and rescue operations. The command plays a vital role in maintaining security and order in one of Vietnam’s most strategically important maritime regions.