On January 30, the Department of Fisheries Surveillance (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) organized an exchange with the topic "Solutions to strengthen international cooperation on Fisheries Law Enforcement, Marine Conservation, Co-management & Resource Protection fisheries, combating IUU exploitation - towards green growth and sustainable fisheries development".
Recently, the Vietnamese Government issued instructions to open the peak season until April 2024 to remove Europe's 'yellow card' warning. Proposed measures and solutions include peak concentration, resource mobilization, and synchronous implementation of anti-IUU fishing tasks according to guidance from the Government of Vietnam.
At the same time, emphasizing a number of regulations and recommendations of the European Commission (EC), promoting the application of information technology, as well as transparent and legal control of aquatic resources are key points to ensure ensure sustainable development for Vietnam's fishery industry.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hue, Director of the Research Center for Marine Conservation and Community Development (MCD) expressed: "During our 20-year journey with the fisheries industry, we promote co-management. According to MCD's experience, this is an effective method to create conditions for parties to negotiate, access resources, and promote marine conservation." Through the discussion with the Fisheries Surveillance Department, she hoped that international representatives would expand their cooperation network with non-governmental organizations such as MCD.
From the diplomatic agency, the Japanese Embassy said that Japan is coordinating with Vietnam to develop a project to support equipment for small fishing boats. However, due to limited funding, he called on international partners to consider and integrate this Japanese activity into related support packages for capacity building.
Mr. Ryan McKean, representative of the US Embassy in Vietnam, emphasized database management, saying this is a key factor to ensure the most effective development of aquatic resources. Representatives of the US Embassy in Vietnam pledged support and close cooperation, ensuring that both Vietnam and the US have effective databases.
"A strong understanding of metrics and data collection will help us measure the success of programs and goals, as well as develop sustainable development plans for aquatic resources. We understand that collecting data and measuring results is not only an issue for the Department but also for the entire community. Expanding cooperation and strengthening the capacity to collect, process and manage data is the key to benefiting Vietnam's seafood develops sustainably," Mr. McKean said.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Director of the Fisheries Surveillance Department emphasized: "This forum is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and coordination between domestic and foreign units. The Fisheries Surveillance Department hopes to build a close connection." coherent and useful among stakeholders, while improving the effectiveness of fisheries law enforcement. With international support, we hope to create a team of experts with equal skills and knowledge. about fisheries".
According to Director Nguyen Quang Hung, the implementation of specific models such as the regeneration fund and the aquatic resources protection fund, as well as the co-management model to support coastal communities will create favorable conditions for increasing Green growth, sustainable development.
Vietnam has participated in international forums on IUU prevention and protection of aquatic resources, and with support from ASEAN tools and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has helped the Department Fisheries monitors promptly update information and measures to combat IUU fishing, actively contributing to global efforts.
Specifically, in 2016, the FAO Agreement on Fisheries Law Enforcement (PSMA) laid a solid foundation for effective cooperation and training. Vietnam soon joined this Agreement in 2018, thereby improving monitoring and control capabilities at seaports, thereby preventing the import of products from unclear origins. The anti-IUU fishing media campaign and training through the RPOA-IUU cooperation mechanism are concrete steps to raise public awareness and train professional personnel.
In addition, conducting approval procedures for law enforcement equipment projects funded by Japan contributes to realizing preventive measures and strengthening the law enforcement system. Participating in and leading the implementation of the United Nations Migratory Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) also ensures effective management of migratory fish and protection of aquatic resources.
