Ninh Binh tightens management of fishing vessels to accelerate removal of EC’s “yellow card”

Ninh Binh steps up implementation of central directives

The core objective of the plan is to develop a transparent and sustainable fisheries sector while joining nationwide efforts to have the EC’s “yellow card” warning removed in 2026.

To achieve this goal, the Provincial People’s Committee has set specific targets for agencies, units and localities. All registered fishing vessels must have complete and accurate information updated in the national VNFishbase database, while 100% of vessels subject to mandatory monitoring must undergo strict inspections of their vessel monitoring systems (VMS) before leaving and upon returning to port.

From September 1, 2026, all applications for certificates of aquatic product origin for export must be processed through the electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT). The province must ensure that no local fishing vessel violates foreign waters, while all reported violations must be verified and handled by the competent authorities in accordance with regulations.

“Peak campaign” runs through September 15

To mobilise maximum resources, Ninh Binh has launched a province-wide “peak campaign” against IUU fishing, running through September 15, 2026.

During the campaign, law enforcement agencies will focus on thoroughly addressing violations involving VMS signal loss and fishing outside designated waters. All violation cases must be verified and resolved within no more than 60 days from the date the case file is established.

Particular attention will be paid to acts showing signs of criminality, including brokering the illegal dispatch of fishing vessels into foreign waters and falsifying documents. Such cases will be subject to criminal investigation and prosecution.

The plan assigns specific responsibilities to ensure substantive results. The Department of Agriculture and Environment will take the lead in overseeing and expediting implementation, organising surprise inter-agency inspections and preparing dossiers for working sessions with the EC’s inspection team.

The provincial Border Guard Command will be responsible for maritime patrols, closely inspecting fishing vessels as they enter and leave ports, and resolutely preventing vessels that fail to meet regulatory requirements from operating. The provincial Department of Public Security will lead investigations into networks facilitating illegal fishing, fraudulent practices involving product origin and illegal interference with VMSs.

Meanwhile, communal-level People’s Committees in areas with fishing vessels will directly monitor and manage the fleet, move ineligible vessels to designated anchorage areas and strictly deal with fishing ports operating in violation of regulations.

Ninh Binh authorities stressed that the results of IUU fishing prevention and control will serve as an important basis for assessing the performance of heads of agencies and local administrations./.