Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chairs the teleconference. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has requested the heads of ministries, sectors, and localities to take drastic action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and tackle existing shortcomings facing the work.

The Government leader made his request at a Saturday teleconference that delved into such solutions and the preparations for the upcoming fourth inspection of Việt Nam’s related efforts by the European Commission (EC) team.

In his opening remarks at the event that gathered leaders of 28 centrally run coastal localities, Chính underscored the Party’s and State’s significant attention to addressing the issue as well as all-level agencies’ and localities’ drastic implementation of anti-IUU fishing measures.

These efforts include strengthening inspections, monitoring, education and communications; improving mechanisms; creating livelihoods for people involved; cooperating with relevant countries for checking, controlling, and addressing violations; promoting aquaculture and seafood processing; and limiting fishing.

As a result, notable progress has been made and the number of violations has gradually dropped, he went on. However, the issue has yet to be completely solved, with limitations and challenges remaining, the leader noted.

Stressing the Party’s and State’s policy of staying consistent and persistent with IUU fishing combat, ocean and seafood resources protection, and sustainable development, he affirmed a need to closely link maritime economic development with safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and respecting international laws.

Saying that combating IUU fishing is primarily for the benefit of the nation and its people, the PM called for an improvement of public awareness regarding law enforcement and environmental protection serving sustainable development. In addition, it is also necessary to create livelihoods and employment opportunities for the people with a focus on increasing aquaculture and processing and reducing fishing.

Recommendations made by other countries and organisations regarding fisheries exploitation must be seriously observed, while new IUU fishing violations and incidents must be prevented, Chính said.

He requested the heads of relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to address existing issues and limitations, calling for their effective implementation of tasks and measures to combat IUU fishing.

Furthermore, the PM suggested that municipal and provincial people's committees closely collaborate with the Ministry of National Defence and relevant departments and ministries to crack down on the occurrence of local vessels engaging in illegal fishing activities in foreign waters.

Local authorities, especially at grassroots levels, are in direct contact with and responsible for managing fishermen, therefore, they must manage, understand, and seriously carry out all matters related to combating IUU fishing, Chính said. 

He held that whether the EC removes the “yellow card” warning for Việt Nam's seafood or not, the nation must continue its efforts to ensure people’s livelihoods and protect the marine ecological environment, serving its sustainable development and upholding its international responsibilities and obligations. — VNS