The inspection focused on three main areas: the quality of VMS equipment and connectivity; the operation of digital platforms and fisheries databases; and the interoperability and data-sharing capacity among existing systems. These are considered “bottlenecks” directly affecting vessel monitoring and the prevention of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Authority of Telecommunications and head of the delegation, implementation in Ho Chi Minh City shows that many fishing vessel management software systems are operating separately and lack synchronization. Data among systems are not fully aligned, creating difficulties for authorities in tracking vessel movements, controlling fishing activities, and handling violations.
The inspection also recorded cases of prolonged VMS signal loss on some vessels. Installing two to three monitoring devices on the same vessel has caused overlapping management and made it difficult to determine accurate data. In addition, many docked vessels are still required to maintain VMS signals, leading to power consumption and reduced battery life. Data transmission from service providers to the central management system remains slow and unstable, undermining real-time monitoring efficiency.
Beyond hardware infrastructure, IT applications in fisheries management have also revealed limitations. Port management software and electronic fishing logbooks have been deployed but are not yet interconnected. Multiple systems operate in parallel, with fragmented and non-integrated data. The transition from paper logbooks to electronic logs has caused confusion for some fishermen, particularly in offshore areas with weak signals where data transmission is challenging. Notably, the current port management software only updates sanction results and does not yet meet data-sharing requirements for modern management tools such as electronic fines, reducing deterrence effectiveness and transparency in law enforcement.
Based on these findings, the Ho Chi Minh City Sub-Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance proposed that the delegation consider adjusting certain regulations to better reflect actual offshore fishing conditions, such as reducing the frequency of voyage reporting and allowing flexible handling of signal loss caused by objective factors. The agency also proposed adding procedures for using data from technical devices as evidence, strengthening data application, and encouraging the installation of backup satellite communication devices to ensure uninterrupted information flow.
A representative of the delegation stated that the inspection aimed to identify practical difficulties and promptly address technical bottlenecks, while urging enterprises to enhance systems and improve connectivity quality. On that basis, the delegation will compile recommendations and advise the Government and relevant ministries on improving mechanisms and policies to enhance fisheries management through digital technology.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Fishermen in Ha Tinh are gradually overcoming difficulties to maintain the efficiency of seafood exploitation. In the first six months of 2026, the entire province achieved a production of more than 23,000 tons of seafood, worth more than 1,200 billion VND.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) June 2026 brought encouraging signs for Vietnam's tuna exports, with export value rising 20% year-on-year to nearly USD 72 million. However, this increase has yet to offset the prolonged slowdown seen in key markets such as the European Union (EU), where import demand remains weak. The outlook for the second half of the year is expected to become more challenging as freight rates continue to climb.
(vasep.com.vn) As part of the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2026), the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in collaboration with the Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Domestic Seafood Supply–Demand Matching Program on the morning of August 20, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City. The program aims to foster direct business connections between Vietnamese seafood producers and processors and domestic distributors, retailers, and foodservice channels.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Cooking Show will be one of the most engaging experiential highlights of Vietfish 2026. Taking place over three days, from August 19–21, 2026, at Hall B1, SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will offer visitors a vibrant culinary space where Vietnamese seafood is showcased through its flavors, stories, and real-life culinary applications.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's pangasius exports reached USD 205 million in June 2026, up 5% compared with the same month in 2025. Cumulative export value for the first six months of the year totaled USD 1.1 billion, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by strong demand from China and CPTPP markets, while exports to the United States and Brazil continued to decline.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first six months of 2026, Ha Tinh province continued to implement comprehensive solutions to combat IUU fishing; strictly manage the fishing fleet, control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports, operate vessel tracking devices, trace the origin of seafood, and severely punish violations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam's tilapia exports reached USD 7 million in June 2026, down 32% compared with the same month in 2025. Nevertheless, thanks to strong growth in the first five months of the year, cumulative tilapia exports in the first half of 2026 totaled USD 69 million, up 67% year on year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sa Giang Import-Export Joint Stock Company, a member of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), has been honored with the "Famous Brand - Competitive Vietnamese Brand 2026" certification at an award ceremony organized by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) China imported nearly $1.4 billion worth of Vietnamese seafood in the first half of the year, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the US to become the largest export market for the industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) As part of Vietfish 2026, the International Seafood Hosted Buyer Program has been designed as a dedicated B2B matchmaking initiative for selected international buyers. The program provides opportunities to meet directly with Vietnamese seafood companies, gain market insights, and experience Vietnam's seafood supply chain firsthand.
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