Hanoi (VNA) – Efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing must go beyond lifting the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning to develop a sustainable fisheries sector and protect Vietnam’s reputation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed at a meeting on September 23. Addressing the 14th meeting of the National Steering Committee for IUU Fishing Prevention and Control, PM Chinh stated that combating IUU fishing is not merely about having the “yellow card” removed but about enforcing strict management of the fishing fleet and laying the groundwork for sustainable development. He underscored the need to build a sustainable, safe, and law-abiding fisheries sector tied to production, business, and livelihoods for the community. Chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees were directed to review and license over 9,000 unauthorised fishing vessels by October 15. He called for their close cooperation with authorities to investigate and stringently handle violations, including record falsification and abetting IUU fishing.