The Vietnam Coast Guard, the main force in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, is stepping up its operations and cooperating with other agencies to put an end to violations before November 15.
- Ho Chi Minh City continues to make progress in combating IUU fishing.
- Ca Mau strengthens its fight against IUU fishing through strict enforcement.
- IUU fishing: Two Vietnamese vessels intercepted.
- The Mekong Delta intensifies its efforts against IUU fishing.
Maritime law enforcement agencies, with the Coast Guard at their core, are implementing a three-pronged strategy — awareness-raising, support, inspection and control — to help fishermen voluntarily comply with the law and develop sustainable livelihoods.
Tasked by the Ministry of National Defense with serving as the main force in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Vietnam Coast Guard is working day and night in close cooperation with other relevant agencies to implement a wide range of coordinated and vigorous measures, striving to completely eliminate IUU-related violations by November 15.
Acceleration Phase
The peak month in the fight against IUU fishing — in accordance with the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 198/CD-TTg dated October 17, 2025 — has entered its acceleration phase. The Coast Guard is implementing its action plan with determination and urgency, firmly resolved to end IUU violations committed by fishing vessels before the deadline.
Six Coast Guard vessels and three Border Guard ships have been reinforced and deployed as part of joint patrol and inspection fleets across all maritime zones of the country.
Major General Lê Dinh Cuong, Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard, stated that under the direction of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, and more directly, the Steering Committee of the Ministry of National Defense for IUU Fishing Prevention, the Coast Guard inspected, detected, and detained 10 cases (involving 14 vessels and 123 fishermen) of regulatory violations between August 1 and September 2.
A total of 68 administrative violations related to IUU fishing (involving 71 vessels and 78 individuals) were recorded and sanctioned, amounting to nearly 460 million VND in fines. The daily activation rate of fishing vessels’ Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices has reached an average of 78%, while the installation rate of such devices now exceeds 99% of all vessels required to be equipped.
Since October 28, forces have been organized into several joint units comprising the Coast Guard, Border Guard troops, Fisheries Inspection, and the Permanent Militia, working in close coordination. Each week, 50 to 60 vessels and boats are deployed to ensure patrolling, inspection, and IUU fishing control operations. The objective is to end fishing vessel violations before November 15.
Major General Nguyen Van Dung, Party Secretary and Political Commissar of the 4th Coast Guard Region Command, stated that officers and soldiers of the unit are fully mobilizing their efforts and are determined to work hand in hand with the entire nation to lift the European Commission’s yellow card warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing before the upcoming inspection. Since mid-October, dozens of ships have been patrolling day and night across key maritime zones. A strict direct monitoring system is maintained, ensuring 24/7 surveillance of all fishing vessel activities. Any risk of territorial water violations is detected promptly and addressed without delay.
Since the beginning of 2025, the 4th Coast Guard Region Command has sent seven official letters and received six from the Advanced Tactical Command of Cambodia’s National Committee for Maritime Security regarding issues such as illegal fishing vessel activities, fishing zone disputes, unauthorized maritime entry and exit, search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, as well as violations, crimes, smuggling, and missions related to terrorism, security, and public order.
Support and Awareness for Fishermen
According to Senior Lieutenant General Bùi Quốc Oai, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, the Standing Board of the Party Committee and the Coast Guard Command have focused on leading and directing all forces to implement vigorous, comprehensive, and coordinated measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Particular attention is given to awareness-raising, training, and supporting fishermen to help them change their mindset and production methods, gradually contributing to the development of responsible fishing practices associated with the protection of maritime and island sovereignty. This approach has encouraged the active participation of local Party committees and authorities, helping to prevent and reduce violations committed by Vietnamese fishing vessels in foreign waters.
Launched in 2017, the program “The Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen” has been regularly implemented in key maritime areas such as Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, Kien Giang, and Ca Mau, among others.
Maritime law enforcement forces have carried out numerous social welfare programs and community models to support fishermen in developing production and stabilizing their livelihoods. These include:
- “The Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen”,
- “The Coast Guard with Ethnic and Religious Communities”,
- the national contest “I Love the Sea and Islands of My Homeland”,
- “A Step Toward School” by the Vietnam Coast Guard,
- “Mutual Support Teams at Sea”,
- “Self-Managed Ships and Ports for Security”,
- “IUU-Free Family Lines and Religious Communities”, and
- “Spring at the Border – Warmth for Fishermen” by the Border Guard Force.
These initiatives help fishermen support each other in daily life, share information about fishing zones, and jointly monitor illegal activities, thus contributing to a reduction in IUU fishing violations.
The Permanent Militia fleets, in coordination with the Navy, have mobilized more than 300 vessels in strategic maritime zones to combat IUU fishing and encourage fishermen to comply with maritime law.
The ultimate goal is to eradicate IUU fishing ahead of schedule, thereby making a concrete contribution to national economic development and the building of a sustainable maritime and fisheries economy.
Source: Le Courrier
