Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishery is a cause for concern in many areas of the
globe. There have been various ways employed to prevent or deter it, among which lies the
“carding” system employed internationally by the EU. The “cards” are a representation of different
levels of warnings about unsustainable fishery before the EU ceases trade with the warned nation.
The research question is “What power dynamics become apparent between the EU and Vietnam in
relation to the governing of IUU fishery?” and explores the discursive relationship between them
and other international actors. The thesis uses discourse analysis to find themes of normative
power, power relations and cultural relativity. The discourse analysis was conducted using ten
interviews and written material online articles and documents. The thesis finds that there is still
much work to be done on the global scene regarding communication and cooperation. While there
is a will to do what is best for our planet, and many actors share the same goals, the language and
conditions are not universally applicable. The thesis concludes that there is a will to combat IUU
fishery, that the EU’s carding policies do give results, but also that the international discourse
regarding both have to be further developed and studied to reach more mutually beneficial
developments in the future.