Nghe An will gradually reduce fishing boats exploiting seafood, affecting resources and the ecological environment.

The plan was issued to convert a number of fishing occupations that have a great impact on resources, the environment, and the ecosystem to fishing occupations that have less impact or to other areas other than fishing in order to gradually balance the fishing force in accordance with the ability to restore and regenerate aquatic resources; gradually improve the productivity, quality, and efficiency of fishing fleets in fishing and protecting resources; improve the working environment and ensure that 100% of fishermen who change occupations have stable jobs and income to ensure their lives after changing occupations.

Fishing boats of fishermen in Quynh Luu district go out to sea to catch seafood. Photo: Xuan Hoang

The plan sets a goal of gradually reducing the number of fishing vessels using seafood exploitation methods that affect resources and the ecological environment, with an annual reduction of at least 1.5% for vessels operating in offshore areas; and 4-5% for vessels operating in inshore and coastal areas.

The goal by 2025 is to improve the capacity of State management on the protection and development of aquatic resources, ensuring unity and synchronization from the provincial to district and commune levels; train and disseminate information to fishermen and promote the role of Co-management Groups and communities in the protection and development of aquatic resources.

Strive to reduce 184 fishing vessels in operation by December 31, 2025 (compared to January 1, 2023), leaving 3,209, of which: Cut 40 fishing vessels operating in offshore areas, leaving 1,101; cut 144 fishing vessels operating in offshore and coastal areas, leaving 2,108. Survey and develop models for converting from trawling to highly selective fishing and trawling, suitable for the actual conditions of Nghe An's fisheries, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.

By December 31, 2030, 672 fishing vessels in operation will be reduced (compared to December 31, 2025), leaving 2,537 vessels, of which: 96 fishing vessels operating in offshore areas will be reduced, leaving 1,005 vessels; 576 fishing vessels operating in offshore and coastal areas will be reduced, leaving 1,532 vessels.

Convert 20 trawlers operating in offshore areas to cage, trap, purse seine, line, logistics services, and gillnets (except tuna); convert 100 vessels operating in coastal and offshore areas currently operating in seafood exploitation to aquaculture, aquaculture services, recreational fishing, and other economic occupations...

Lach Quen fishing port is bustling every time fishing boats return. Photo: Xuan Hoang

To achieve the set goals, the Provincial People's Committee requires strengthening propaganda, disseminating laws, raising awareness of the fishing community about converting some seafood exploitation occupations that affect resources and the ecological environment. Implement, amend and supplement the Regulation on specific criteria for granting approval documents for renting, purchasing, converting, and building new fishing vessels in the direction of reducing fishing occupations that greatly affect resources and consume a lot of fuel to selective fishing occupations that consume less fuel; limit the purchase of fishing vessels from other provinces for old vessels (over 10 years old), engaged in occupations that affect aquatic resources. Annually, conduct a statistical review of the number of fishing vessels (with a focus on investigating fishing vessels engaged in trawling and tuna gillnetting) in the whole province.

Along with that, survey the need to convert occupations from invasive and destructive fishing (trawling) to highly selective occupations suitable to the actual conditions of fishing in Nghe An, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. Implement scientific application projects, investigate aquatic species, form artificial habitats for aquatic species, and organize management of areas with diverse ecosystems.

The Provincial People's Committee has also proposed solutions to strictly manage fishing quotas by occupation, control the statistics of landing output and complete the fisheries sector database to ensure synchronization with the province's digital transformation plan. Strengthen coordination between the Fisheries Surveillance, Police, Border Guard, District and Commune People's Committees, relevant units and media agencies.

Develop and submit to competent authorities for promulgation policies to support the conversion of fishing occupations that affect resources and the ecological environment to non-fishing occupations or occupations that have little impact on marine resources and the ecosystem; policies to support vocational training for fishermen who want to convert their occupations.

Fishing boats of Dien Chau district fishermen are mainly small capacity, fishing in offshore areas. Photo: Xuan Hoang

At the same time, build models of experiential tourism activities combined with exploitation, processing, and use of seafood to increase value and income for people. Build models to convert from exploitation that affects resources and the ecological environment to recreational fishing and aquaculture in coastal areas, estuaries, and inlets. Gradually perfect and apply science and technology, digital transformation in seafood exploitation activities, and preserve products after harvest to improve economic efficiency. Research and learn to transfer new exploitation methods that use less fuel but still ensure economic efficiency for fishermen.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nghe-an-se-giam-dan-tau-ca-khai-thac-hai-san-anh-huong-den-nguon-loi-va-moi-truong-sinh-thai-post280721.html