(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On 7th July 2022, at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang - Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed: "We are interested in this information" when given the question relating the information that the United States wants to cooperate with Vietnam to combat illegal fishing.
According to Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnam's stance on the issue of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) is consistent and has been stated many times. Accordingly, Vietnam focuses on sustainable development of the blue economy, maintaining and developing the fishery industry with the suitable fishing vessels structures and occupations that allow exploitation of marine resources. This process must comply with full provisions on IUU fishing, relevant international conventions and agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory or a member; These include the Agreement on the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of December 10, 1982 on the conservation and management of amphibian and migratory fish stocks, the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) to prevent and eliminate IUU fishing by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
According to Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang, over the past time, Vietnam has built and completed the legal system on fisheries to ensure effectiveness and efficiency; at the same time, implementing many measures to reduce and limit IUU fishing activities; prevent and stop Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen from illegally catching in foreign waters.
The authorities as well as the coastal localities of Vietnam regularly manage, propagate, educate and implement specific measures for fishermen to comply with Vietnam's laws, respect the state waters, that are established in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS.
Vietnam also actively and responsibly participates in combating IUU fishing, and is always ready to join forces with other stakeholders, countries in the region and the international community to strengthen cooperation and share experiences in combating illegal fishing. Along with that, promoting effective and sustainable fisheries management in accordance with international law.
Compiled by My Hanh