Vietnam commits to sustainable and responsible fisheries development

On June 11 (local time), within the framework of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn and Ms. Marija Vučković, Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition of the Republic of Croatia, co-chaired Thematic Session 5: “Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management and Supporting Small-Scale Fisheries.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment led the proposal of Vietnam’s commitments to this session. Representatives from the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, the Directorate of Fisheries, Fisheries Surveillance, and the Department of International Cooperation joined the Deputy Prime Minister at the meeting.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized that the session’s topic plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of oceans, seas, and fisheries, as well as in ensuring global food security -particularly for vulnerable small-scale coastal fishing communities that are increasingly affected by climate change, marine degradation, and ocean pollution.

He affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to developing sustainable fisheries, focusing on protecting small-scale fishing communities by ensuring stable incomes and gradually reducing their dependence on marine resources and traditional fishing activities. The government also prioritizes improving fishers' livelihoods and working conditions - especially those operating in coastal areas - through training and the transfer of environmentally friendly fishing techniques that enable long-term sustainability.

Notably, sustainable fisheries development must enhance the role of community-based management, fisheries cooperatives, and women in exploiting and governance marine resources.

In a spirit of international cooperation, Vietnam works with global partners to improve access to green finance, apply modern technologies, and share experiences in sustainable ocean and fisheries governance, particularly in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

To realize these objectives, Vietnam proposed several initiatives, including establishing an international cooperation framework to coordinate and support small-scale fisheries at regional and global levels; creating a technical and financial assistance mechanism for developing countries and small-scale fishing in implementing SDG14; and promoting a fisheries data-sharing network and marine resource recovery under the FAO and other multilateral initiatives.

Domestically, Vietnam has built a strong legal and policy framework, with the 2017 Fisheries Law as a foundational tool for sustainable fisheries development. This law highlights the protection and promotion of small-scale fisheries, encourages co-management, and facilitates community participation. The National Fisheries Development Strategy for 2030 aims to protect marine ecosystems and restore fish stocks by establishing marine protected areas and restricted exploitation zones.

Vietnam remains firmly committed to transitioning harmful fishing practices toward more environmentally friendly, ecosystem-based fisheries models that align with marine sustainability goals.

Kieu Chi