Tiếng Việt 
On 14 August 2026, the Vietnam Tuna Association (VINATUNA) attended a national conference in Gia Lai Province on the implementation of Vietnam’s Action Plan to address the European Commission’s recommendations on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The conference marked the implementation of Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1516/QD-TTg, issued on 10 August 2026. The Action Plan responds to the recommendations of the EC’s fifth inspection and sets out Vietnam’s priorities for strengthening fisheries management and achieving the removal of the EU “yellow card” in 2026.
The Government has identified combating IUU fishing as a national priority. Effective implementation is vital for Vietnam’s international reputation, supporting fishing communities and seafood businesses, and developing a more transparent, responsible and sustainable fisheries sector.
The Action Plan assigns 46 tasks to ministries, government agencies and coastal authorities. Key areas include strengthening the legal framework, improving fleet management and vessel monitoring, port controls, enhancing seafood traceability, verifying the legality of imported raw materials, enforcing fisheries regulations, expanding digital data systems and strengthening international cooperation.
The conference assigned the plan for improving the legal framework on management of bigeye tuna imported into Vietnam, in line with World Trade Organization rules, international commitments and legal-origin requirements; as well as periodically conducting joint inspection on enterprizes exporting tuna & swordfish, and other species into EU market.
The participation provided an important opportunity to receive updates on new requirements on seafood traceability, raw-material controls and the responsibilities of tuna processors and exporters. VINATUNA will share these updates with its members, collaborate with stakeholders to support implementation across the tuna value chain. The compliance with IUU fishing rules is essential not only for meeting EU market requirements, but also for promoting Vietnamese tuna’s reputation, and strengthening the industry’s long-term competitiveness.
In recent years, through annual activities and fishery improvement projects, VINATUNA has worked with provincial fisheries authorities, fishing ports, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, and other relevant agencies. This work has included outreach, information-sharing and training for fishing vessel owners, captains and fishers. Through these ongoing efforts, VINATUNA aims to support broader initiatives to raise awareness and encourage gradual improvements within the tuna fishing sector.
VINATUNA will continue to work with fishers and businesses to improve supply-chain transparency, strengthen traceability and promote regulatory compliance. These efforts will support Vietnam’s goal of lifting the EU “yellow card” and building a sustainable, responsible and internationally competitive tuna industry.
