In Vietnam, 4 fishing captains fined $32,800 for IUU violations

Pham Van Thom, captain of vessel QNg 98119 TS, and Vo Van Nguyen of vessel QNg 94477 TS were each fined VND205 million ($7,770).

Mai Van Thi, captain of vessel QNg 98447 TS, was required to pay the highest fine of VND248.5 million ($9,400).

Pham Ngat, from vessel QNg 94605 TS, was fined VND208.5 million ($7,900).

The total penalties amounted to VND867 million, or approximately $32,840.

Each of the four captains also had their certificates suspended for nine months.

The fines followed patrols by the Sa Ky Port Border Guard Station, which found that all four vessels, each longer than 15 meters, were at sea without transmitting data from their mandatory voyage monitoring systems.

They also failed to comply with inspections.

Two captains, Thi and Ngat, were additionally caught unloading seafood at unauthorized ports and fishing beyond the permitted areas outlined in their licenses.

Authorities said the violations directly undermine efforts to have the EC lift its IUU fishing ‘yellow card’ warning against Vietnam’s seafood exports, a restriction that has been in place since 2017 due to concerns over IUU fishing.

They emphasized that stricter enforcement is key to improving compliance and deterring violations.

To prevent future IUU offenses, the Quang Ngai Border Guard Command has stepped up patrols and worked with local agencies to raise legal awareness among fishermen.

Training sessions and community dialogues have been held to explain that legal compliance not only helps avoid costly penalties but also supports long-term economic security for coastal communities.

A representative from the command said the EC’s expectations are clear, and without stronger enforcement, Vietnam’s seafood exports to the European market will remain at risk.

Since 2017, the EC has conducted four inspections in Vietnam but has not removed the yellow card, citing gaps in enforcement across some provinces.

The next EC inspection is expected to take place in October.