Inspection success may help IUU update

Vietnam is intensifying its preparations for a European Commission inspection over illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing from this week to have a yellow card removed to boost its seafood exports in this market.

- By Nguyen Dat

Copies and electronic files ready for submission and clarification upon request.

Specialised agencies are required to prepare full documentation, including registration and inspection records, fishing licence dossiers, files on vessels removed from the registry, vessels ineligible for operation, and vessels not yet marked or labelled with registration numbers in accordance with regulations. A detailed list of mooring locations for vessels deemed ineligible for fishing operations must also be compiled.

Authorities must prepare lists and case files concerning vessels violating IUU regulations, along with administrative penalty records for organisations and individuals involved in IUU fishing.

Sanction files must include official receipts and proof of fine payments. Documentation on vessel monitoring via the vessel monitoring system (VMS), as well as case files concerning vessels that lost VMS connectivity or crossed permitted maritime boundaries, must also be available.

Authorities are further required to provide catch certification dossiers at fishing ports and catch certificate dossiers issued by fisheries sub-departments, along with records on port entry and exit control and landing volume supervision.