Philippines, Vietnam establish 'hotline' to fight illegal fishing

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines and Vietnam have strengthened efforts in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing through establishment of a "hotline," a senior government official said today.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAF) national director Asis Perez said that the creation of a hotline between the two countries can be used for immediate coordination on fisheries surveillance activities against IUU fishing and emergency response to distressed Filipino and Vietnamese fishermen in the high seas.

"Vietnam like the Philippines is a major fishing nation and our bilateral cooperation in the field of fisheries is dictated by our common goals to manage the resources, improve the fishery industry 's condition and ensure our fishers' welfare and safety when they go astray in the offshore fishing areas," he said.

Perez said the idea was hatched during the 4th Joint Committee Meeting under the Philippine-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation in the Field in Hanoi City October last year.

Also the Philippine government and the stakeholders have agreed to participate in the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the amended Fisheries Code.  

The amended  Republic Act (RA) 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, takes effect this week despite opposition it gathered during its passage, Perez said.

Last year, European Union warned the Philippines, along with Papua New Guinea, of possible sanction if it continues to fail to address IUU fishing.