Hanoi (VNA) – China’s seasonal fishing ban in certain areas of the East Sea is invalid as it violates Vietnam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and interests in the sea, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The ministry made the statement in an official dispatch sent to the People’s Committees of coastal provinces and centrally-run cities regarding China’s announcement of a temporary fishing ban in the East Sea.

Specifically, the Rural Agriculture Bureau of Sanya city, China, recently released that the annual moratorium on fishing in the East Sea, is effective from 12:00 May 1 to 12:00 August 16 this year. It covers waters from the latitude of 12°00′N northwards to 26°30′N (including the Gulf of Tonkin).

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment informed and requested the People's Committees of coastal provinces and centrally-run cities to notify local fishermen of China’s fishing ban. At the same time, the ministry reaffirmed that China’s unilateral imposition of this seasonal fishing ban within that defined area lacks legal values.

It also called on local authorities to encourage fishermen to maintain regular fishing activities within Vietnam’s maritime zones, and organise fishing trips in groups, teams or fleets for mutual support at sea. It further urged increased vigilance, noting the possibility that China may take aggressive actions, including detaining Vietnamese fishing vessels operating during the specified period and in the affected waters.

All violations by foreign vessels within Vietnam’s waters must be promptly reported to the competent authorities, the ministry stressed, instructing local authorities to direct their agencies to strengthen surveillance of fishing activities through the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), issue timely warnings to fishing vessels when necessary, and strictly manage the departure and arrival of fishing boats during this period.

Provinces and cities are also requested to continue seriously implementing Directive No. 49/CT-BNN-TCTS dated January 6, 2021, by the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on strengthening the management of fishing vessels and ensuring the safety of people and boats engaged in fisheries activities.

The ministry further requested localities to promptly re𝄹port any unexpected incidents at sea involving fishing vessels and fishermen via the Fish꧙eries and Fisheries Surveillance Department’s hotline: 0815 886 188./.