(seafood.com) As the world's largest
In an own-initiative report drafted by Isabella Lavin (Greens-EFA, Sweden) and adopted on 11 October, the committee calls on the EU to promote international actions - such as inspections at sea and the closing of markets to products from illegal fishing - with a view to maintaining fish stocks at a sustainable level, to negotiate international legal instruments and to defend the principle of penalties for negligent states. The report, adopted unanimously, will be put to the vote in plenary at the 14-17 November session in
Illegal fishing accounts for around 15% of global catches--between 11 and 26 million tonnes per year--making sustainable management of marine resources impossible. Apart from the threat to the viability of fish stocks and food security, which affects both consumers and fishing communities, illegal fishing constitutes a source of unfair competition for the operators who play by the rules, explains the report. MEPs thus note that "the EU has to do more to promote effective cooperation to combat illegal fisheries".
Technological tools exist to control and prevent illegal fishing but it is the political commitment that is lacking, state MEPs, who urge the European Commission and member states to place this issue on the international agenda, in the WTO for example. They call for sanctions to be imposed on states that do not respect their international obligations, for example by failing to ensure that vessels that fly their flag comply with rules. MEPs also state that aid under the EU's generalized system of preferences should only be allocated if the candidate country respects FAO and UN rules designed to combat IUU fishing, and that the Commission and member states should increase financial and technical aid for surveillance programmes in the waters of developing countries.
Since two thirds of oceans and seas are beyond national jurisdictions, new international measures are needed, states the report, which suggests: compulsory registration of fishing vessels of more than ten GT (gross registered tonne), a global catch certification programme, information exchange on vessel activity at international level, supervision of imports and an agreement on shutting markets to illegally caught products. To be effective, such measures must be backed by the leading fishery products markets: MEPs urge the EU to consult large marketing states, such as the
MEPs also call for the EU to establish a register of authorised fishing vessels and to draw up a black list of vessels involved in illegal fishing. They also recommend the reinforcement of inspections at sea, the development of catch documentation schemes, a ban on transhipment, the mandatory use of satellite-based vessel monitoring systems and reinforcement of regional fisheries management organisations, with a view to covering all open seas fisheries.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
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