The Vietnamese government has issued a new decree guiding the implementation of the Fisheries Law, tightening oversight of fishing and aquaculture activities, strengthening vessel monitoring and port controls, and reinforcing Vietnam’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in line with international commitments.
Vietnam’s government has promulgated a decree detailing key provisions of the Fisheries Law, providing clearer regulatory guidance for fisheries exploitation, aquaculture, resource conservation and fishing vessel management. The decree translates recent amendments to the law into enforceable measures and aims to ensure consistent application across national and provincial authorities.
Under the decree, more detailed rules are introduced for fishing activities within Vietnam’s waters as well as for Vietnamese vessels operating beyond national jurisdiction. It also clarifies the role of onboard fisheries observers on Vietnamese fishing vessels and establishes licensing procedures for the export of restricted aquatic species when used for scientific research or international cooperation.
A notable feature of the decree is the strengthening of port state controls. Foreign vessels engaged in fishing, transhipment or seafood transport calling at Vietnamese ports will be subject to enhanced inspection and monitoring. In parallel, the decree tightens oversight of wild-caught seafood and seafood products imported into Vietnam via container vessels, reinforcing traceability and compliance with international fisheries regulations.
The decree also provides clearer definitions of IUU fishing activities, aligned with international law and the recommendations of regional fisheries management organisations. This clarification is expected to support more effective inspection, monitoring and enforcement, particularly as Vietnam continues its efforts to have the European Commission’s “yellow card” on IUU fishing lifted.
In addition, the decree includes provisions on fisheries infrastructure, such as designated storm shelter anchorage areas for fishing vessels, major fisheries centres and vessels supporting aquaculture operations, aimed at improving safety for fishers and operational efficiency across the sector.
Administrative procedures are streamlined to reduce compliance burdens on businesses and fishers. Applications can be submitted in person, by post or online via national digital platforms, with broader acceptance of electronic dossiers and scanned documents. In exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks, authorities may apply flexible licensing arrangements while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The decree also establishes a clearer legal framework for the Fisheries Resources Protection and Development Fund, which will support conservation, ecosystem restoration, resource enhancement and livelihood transition programmes for fishing communities outside the state budget.
The new regulations are widely viewed as a timely step towards strengthening fisheries governance in Vietnam, supporting sustainable development of the sector and reinforcing the country’s commitment to responsible fishing and international compliance.
VFM
