Ben Tre Steps Up Efforts to Lift EC’s “Yellow Card”

With over 3,700 registered fishing boats, Ben Tre province is taking a firm stand against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. (Photo: VNA)

In anticipation of the European Commission (EC)’s fifth inspection, the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre is leaving no stone unturned in its fight against IUU fishing. Determined to play its part in lifting the “yellow card” warning, the province has ramped up its efforts.

Ben Tre has intensified investigations into fishing vessels that have gone off the radar, with some losing connection to monitoring devices for extended periods.

To curb IUU fishing, local ports have tightened control over fishing operations, ensuring meticulous record-keeping. Fishing logs and seafood traceability documentation are now more comprehensive and accurate, adhering to all regulations.

Vessel inspection and guidance have taken center stage in recent times. As of now, 3,721 fishing boats have been registered, with over 3,400 obtaining or renewing their fishing licenses.

The province has maintained a clean slate in 2025, reporting no new violations. Moreover, nearly 2,000 vessels have been equipped with mandatory monitoring devices, a testament to their commitment to transparency.

In a collaborative effort, local authorities are working hand-in-hand with Coast Guard Regions 3 and 4 to keep a vigilant eye on fishing vessels in southern waters. This includes round-the-clock surveillance and proactive warnings to vessels nearing maritime boundaries. Additionally, they are meticulously monitoring vessel traffic at ports, overseeing seafood unloading, and verifying the origin of caught seafood.