Protecting Coastal Aquatic Resources

According to the Directorate of Fisheries, at present, about 80 percent of Vietnam’s fishing vessels are designed for operating in coastal waters which account for only about 11 percent of the country’s exclusive sea economic territory. Currently, sustainable fishing at the depth of over 50 metres is estimated at 1.1 million tonnes a year.

In the 2001 - 2010 period, the number of offshore fishing vessels increased 6.2 percent annually from 74,495 units to 128,449 units while engine capacity was added 7.1 percent. The rapid expansion of ships with engine below 20 CV (7.7 percent a year) has caused serious impacts on littoral aquatic resources. The fast increase in ships and capacity amid the slow augmentation in fishing output (3.8 percent a year) showed fish catching exceeded the speed of reproduction of aquatic resources. Some species have been significantly reduced or virtually exhausted.

 

Destructive fishing method is one of the reasons leading to overexploitation of aquatic resources and degeneration of ecological environment. Many fishing boats use devastating m

Over the past years, the Department of Capture Fisheries and Resources Protection has decentralised and zoned fishing waters and inland waters. So far, 80 percent of fishing vessels fitted with engine capacity of 20 CV or more have been licensed for fishing operations. Into the bargain, fishery conservation over the past five years has had positive effects. The stocking of fish into the natural environment also contributes to population density of aquatic species overexploited. This activity has become a powerful movement of the Vietnam Fishery Association and many localities across the country.

ethods like using high-voltage electricity, from 1000 - 1,500 W, for underwater headlights to catch fish. According to fishermen, the intense light kills massive death of fish but only about 50 percent of dead fish is collected and the rest is destroyed. This affects the living habitat of organisms and overall environment.

 

In addition, fishermen sneakily use electrical impulses and explosives to catch fish. Explosives are concealed, usually mixed with necessities. Even, dynamites are supplied at sea. Moreover, the rising number of fishing vessels operating in prohibited areas and the utilisation of smaller mesh nets to catch more fish in breeding seasons threatens depletion. Meanwhile, sanctions are not strong enough to deter fishermen. Vu Van Tam, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Director General of Fisheries Directorate, said: If fishermen and businesses only care about catches rather than protection of aquatic resources, they will wreak overexploitation and marine environment destruction.

 

While overexploitation imperils sustainable exploitation, protection and increase of fisheries resources is put on an alarm. According to the Directorate of Fisheries, aquatic resources protecting activities are mainly aimed at managing and controlling fishing force, establishing protected areas, and recovering and developing aquatic resources. In depletion-threatening areas, fishing will be banned. Restricted areas will be determined by studies on fish egg and baby fish.

 

Besides, in order to prevent unauthorised fishing, there is a dire need for close coordination of relevant organs to manage industrial explosives and materials, persuade farmers not to use the banned substances, and intensify investigative patrols. Additionally, local authorities nationwide must have support policies for fisherman and their families to shift from inefficient and damaging littoral fishing to more efficient and environment-friendly careers. Competent authorities increase punitive forms and levels for this type of fishing plus additional penalties like confiscation of fishing gears and boats.

 

Deputy Minister Vu Van Tam said current fishing grounds and forecasts are confined to planning only. Therefore, the government should increase resources, facilities and finances for forecasting fishing grounds and fishery information to support sustainable fishing. At the same time, it needs to strengthen and expand regional and international fishery cooperation to exchange information on science, technology and markets to serve the development of fishing industry.