Brian Jeffrey
The nation of Vietnam, boasting 28 out of 63 coastal provinces and cities, spans 42% of its territory and accommodates 45% of its population, is noted for its abundance of maritime and island resources.
Positioned along the East Sea, Vietnam’s marine index is remarkably six times that of the global average.
With a coastline of over 3,260 kilometers, its territorial waters—including exclusive economic zones and continental shelves—extend beyond 1 million square kilometers.
The country administers the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, in addition to upwards of 3,000 smaller islands and islets.
The rich biodiversity and varied marine ecosystems present in Vietnam yield a substantial seafood supply to the economy, producing approximately 5 million tons of marine fish, with a sustainable harvest potential of 2.3 million tons each year.
This figure does not take into account the reserves of marine shrimp, squid, or bottom-dwelling organisms in coastal areas. About 15 significant fishing zones—12 along the coast and 3 further offshore—have been pinpointed for consistent harvesting.
Fish spawning occurs continuously throughout the year, with the highest activity from March to July. Although Vietnam’s marine fish populations are wide-ranging, they tend to be smaller, as 84% of fish schools measure less than 5×20 meters, while just 0.1% are classified as large (20×500 meters).
As a result, Vietnam’s fisheries primarily consist of multi-species, small-scale operations that are closely linked to the livelihoods of those living in coastal and island communities.
These traits emphasize the need for robust conservation strategies. Harvesting valuable species often leads to the accidental capture of 30% to 70% of non-target fish, which are subsequently discarded.
Vietnam’s marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems serve as the backbone for its emergence as a significant producer of seafood.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has recently ratified Decision No. 1539/QD-TTg on December 10, 2024, which endorses a master plan aimed at expanding and creating new marine protected areas, zones dedicated to safeguarding aquatic resources, and restoring marine ecosystems by 2030.
The objective is for marine and coastal protected zones to encompass 6% of Vietnam’s natural marine landscape.
This plan’s primary aim is to oversee and safeguard marine, coastal, and island ecosystems; expand marine and coastal protected areas to around 6% by the year 2030; preserve biodiversity; restore vital ecosystems; and sustain the natural connection between land and marine environments.
The strategy also seeks to confront climate change and rising sea levels while encouraging sustainable marine economic development, enhancing national defense, security, and sovereignty—aspiring to transform Vietnam into a thriving maritime nation.
Goals for 2030 include:
Expanding and managing 27 marine protected areas effectively, aiming for total conservation zones to cover 0.463% of Vietnam’s marine territory.
Successfully overseeing 59 aquatic resource protection zones and 63 seasonal fishing ban areas, which would increase the total protected area for breeding grounds and juvenile marine life to 2.303% of Vietnam’s marine regions.
Enlarging, establishing, and efficiently managing Ramsar sites, coastal wetlands, and significant wetland areas to account for 1.5% of Vietnam’s marine territories.
The Decision delineates six key tasks:
Modify and extend current marine protected areas, Ramsar sites, and coastal wetlands as per approved strategies.
Create and broaden networks of marine protected areas and wetland reserves according to validated plans.
Establish regulations and enforce management in areas applying various effective conservation measures.
Restore essential marine ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.
Efficiently administer all categories of protected marine zones, such as seasonal fishing bans, Ramsar sites, and other conservation areas.
Integrate comprehensive information on marine biodiversity, fisheries, environmental health, policies, and management approaches into national databases dedicated to marine and coastal conservation.
Four strategic solution groups encompass:
Policy formulation, legal frameworks, and enforcement
Community education, training, and workforce development
Scientific investigation, technological advancement, and international collaboration
Financial resource allocation
Eight key initiatives and projects include:
Public engagement campaigns focused on conservation and ecosystem rehabilitation
Surveys to locate potential zones for innovative conservation strategies
Revival efforts for compromised coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves
Assessment of ecosystem protection efficacy from 2021 through 2030
Establishment of a payment framework for ecosystem services
Evaluation of carbon storage potential in significant marine ecosystems
Utilization of GIS and remote sensing technologies for marine ecosystem governance
Pursuit of pollution management in marine conservation and restoration zones
Responsibilities for implementation:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will work alongside relevant ministries, local authorities, and agencies to implement the master plan effectively.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will support local governments in managing Ramsar and coastal wetland zones according to legal mandates and approved plans.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment will put forth funding recommendations within medium- and long-term public investment strategies adhering to the Law on Public Investment.
The Ministry of Finance will balance the national budget and distribute funds annually, reflecting proposals from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and other associated entities, as stipulated by the Law on the State Budget.
Provincial-level People’s Committees will execute the plan in alignment with local conditions and legal obligations, guided by relevant ministries.
