Vietnam
Our work
Since 2019, Global Fishing Watch has been partnering with the Vietnamese government to advance data-driven fisheries management. In collaboration with a local partner, we focus on delivering insights and developing capacities to enhance monitoring and fisheries law enforcement, as well as promote traceability and accountability of vessel activity at sea.
In 2021 and 2022, Global Fishing Watch provided recommendations on Vietnam’s risk criteria and standard operating procedures for vessel tracking systems. We also contributed to the implementation of an electronic traceability system, improving accountability and traceability within the sector.Â
Following a consultation meeting in 2024, Global Fishing Watch and its partners agreed to further strengthen cooperation. Our work now focuses on technical vessel tracking analysis, bolstering monitoring measures, strengthening stakeholder collaboration and fostering an environment for sustainable fisheries management.
Vietnam’s efforts to equip its fleet with vessel monitoring system devices and explore the potential of other tracking systems are ambitious, and we are committed to assisting the government in ensuring their effectiveness. Our tools and data analytics are designed to enhance the nation’s capacity for monitoring, control and surveillance, ultimately fostering greater accountability in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Global Fishing Watch aims to boost Vietnam’s capacity to use advanced technologies for data-driven fisheries management, increase traceability and accountability, and promote best practices in line with international standards.
Highlights
Our work has encompassed close collaboration with the Center for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development and includes other efforts with key in-country stakeholders such as the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Fisheries Surveillance and their attached agencies.
Technical support: Strengthening national surveillance
Global Fishing Watch’s work supports Vietnam in monitoring a fleet of nearly 30,000 vessels. We use data-driven tools to help close the information gaps and perform risk-based analysis to inform fisheries surveillance and enforcement efforts against IUU fishing.
Capacity development: Adopting technology
We provide training and technological support to the Vietnamese authorities, enhancing their ability to analyze vessel tracking data and improve fisheries policy enforcement. This helps to streamline internal systems for managing Vietnamese-flagged vessels and supports the adoption of intelligence-led port controls.
Fostering partnerships: Collaboration for broader impact
By leveraging Global Fishing Watch’s network and presence in international fora, we aim to facilitate broader partnerships for Vietnam. This includes networking and advocacy efforts to support the advancement of fisheries management.
About Vietnam
Vietnam’s fisheries sector is vital to the national and regional economy. In 2020, it was the second-largest fisheries producer in Southeast Asia, contributing 18.7 percent to the region’s total production. In 2023, Vietnam’s seafood exports reached $9.2 billion, making it the second highest seafood exporter in Asia.Â
With the continuous growth of Vietnam’s fisheries sector, addressing IUU fishing and improving vessel monitoring have become essential to ensuring its sustainability and reducing its impacts on marine systems. In 2017, the European Commission issued Vietnam a yellow card, signaling the need for improved management practices. Global Fishing Watch is well-placed to support Vietnam in overcoming these challenges by delivering advanced technological solutions, data analysis and capacity-development initiatives to ensure oversight of the sector is more effective.
As a cooperating non-member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and a member of key regional organizations such as the Asia Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center and the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia, Vietnam has publicly stated its commitment to improving its fisheries management and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Through our collaboration, we aim to support Vietnam’s continuing journey towards sustainable and accountable fisheries management.