The fisheries sector in Quang Ngai has long been a fundamental pillar of the marine economy, boasting thousands of fishing vessels operating both in offshore and near-shore waters, making significant contributions to the national aquatic product output and providing livelihoods for tens of thousands of coastal laborers and their families. However, numerous inadequacies and challenges in fishing activities, particularly the persistent problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, have placed Vietnam under the European Commission’s “Yellow Card” warning since 2017. This “Yellow Card” not only severely impacts seafood exports but also poses a serious threat to the reputation and international standing of Vietnam’s entire fisheries industry.
In faithfully implementing the directives of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and the Government, Quang Ngai has identified the fight against IUU as a vital and existential task for the local fisheries sector. Directive No. 32-CT/TW dated April 10, 2024 of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat emphasizes the strengthening of Party leadership in the work of combating IUU fishing and promoting sustainable development of the fisheries sector. Subsequently, Government Resolution No. 52/NQ-CP dated April 22, 2024 on the implementation of Directive 32-CT/TW requires localities to develop policies supporting occupation transition and decommissioning of fishing vessels that no longer need to operate in fishery exploitation activities.
Of particular importance, Prime Minister’s Decision No. 2310/QĐ-TTg dated October 17, 2024 issuing the Action Plan for the peak month against IUU has assigned specific tasks to coastal provinces, including Quang Ngai, to urgently establish mechanisms to support fishermen in changing occupations. This is regarded as a key and pivotal solution to reduce pressure on fishery resources, gradually eliminate inefficient fishing fleets, and best prepare for the European Commission’s fifth inspection round.
In Quang Ngai, the reality of a considerable number of old, low-capacity fishing vessels whose owners no longer wish to continue fishing operations but lack specific support mechanisms for decommissioning or occupation transition has become a major obstacle and barrier. Many fishermen find themselves in extremely difficult circumstances, with their vessels lying idle at ports, unable to continue fishing yet also lacking the means or conditions to switch to alternative livelihoods. For these reasons, the promulgation of a Resolution providing support through an abbreviated procedure has become an urgent and pressing requirement, not only to meet anti-IUU demands but also to safeguard the sustainable livelihoods of those working in the fisheries sector.
Placing fishermen at the center and fisheries as the core focus
The core objective of the Resolution is to clearly identify the category of fishing vessels that no longer have demand for fishery exploitation activities while stipulating specific support levels so that vessel owners can stabilize their lives and successfully transition to other occupations outside traditional fishing, such as aquaculture, fisheries logistics services, marine tourism or recreational fishing. This policy does not merely address immediate issues but is oriented toward developing Quang Ngai’s fisheries sector in a more sustainable and responsible direction.
The principles for drafting the Resolution have been clearly defined by the Provincial People’s Committee, ensuring strict compliance with the 2025 Law on Promulgation of Normative Legal Documents, Decree 78/2025/NĐ-CP and all amending and supplementing documents. All policy contents are fully aligned with the Government’s guidelines, the orientation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of state management in the fisheries field. Of particular emphasis is the policy’s focus on supporting fishermen – the backbone force of the sector – helping them overcome difficulties, achieve sustainable occupation transition, and prevent the existence of “ghost vessels” or vessels that remain registered but are no longer operational. This also represents Quang Ngai’s strong commitment to accompanying fishermen, protecting fishery resources and elevating the position of the provincial fisheries sector on both the national and regional fisheries map.
Two practical support policies for fishing vessels and fishermen
The draft Resolution concentrates on two major policies, both revolving around support for fishing vessels that no longer have demand for fishery exploitation activities, with the ultimate goal of minimizing negative impacts on fishery resources and stabilizing fishermen’s livelihoods.
The first policy: Support for decommissioning fishing vessels that no longer have operational demand in fishery exploitation. This policy is aimed at permanently removing old, inefficient vessels from the fishing fleet, thereby reducing pressure on fishery resources and preventing the risk of such vessels being exploited for IUU fishing activities. The specific objective is to assist vessel owners in safely and procedurally dismantling their boats while receiving compensatory funding to reinvest in alternative livelihood activities. Support contents will include specific funding levels categorized by vessel horsepower groups, accompanied by organizational implementation solutions such as guidance on procedures, supervision of the decommissioning process, and measures to ensure that no “ghost vessels” reappear.
The second policy: Support for occupation transition of fishing vessels to fields outside traditional fishery exploitation. Instead of focusing solely on decommissioning, this policy actively encourages fishermen to shift toward more sustainable occupations such as aquaculture (shrimp farming, tra fish farming, seaweed cultivation…), fisheries logistics services, seafood trading or the development of recreational fishing and marine tourism. The goal is to help vessel owners and fisheries laborers secure stable income sources, reduce dependence on natural exploitation, and simultaneously contribute to diversifying the marine economy. Support contents encompass vocational training, preferential loans, initial infrastructure assistance and market linkage support. Implementation solutions will be carried out synchronously, from propaganda and mobilization to monitoring and evaluation of transition effectiveness.
Both policies are constructed on principles of transparency, fairness and priority given to vessels that no longer meet operational conditions under the new fisheries management regulations. Support extends beyond mere financial assistance to include training programs and counseling to help fishermen adapt successfully to their new occupations.
Synchronized implementation solutions from provincial to grassroots levels
After the Provincial People’s Council promulgates the Resolution, the Provincial People’s Committee will direct the Department of Agriculture and Environment to take the leading role, coordinating with relevant departments, sectors and coastal localities to prepare detailed support funding estimates and submit them to the Department of Finance for advising on provincial budget allocation. Coastal communes, wards and towns will directly implement support delivery to each eligible vessel owner, ensuring accuracy in targeting, support levels and regulatory compliance. Supervision and inspection mechanisms will be strengthened to prevent any loss or abuse of the policy.
The Resolution is expected to be submitted to the Provincial People’s Council at a thematic session or the regular year-end session of 2025 (the 6th session, 13th tenure, 2021 - 2026 term).
The promulgation of this Resolution constitutes a strategic solution in restructuring Quang Ngai’s fisheries sector. From reducing the inefficient fishing fleet and supporting fishermen in occupation transition to strengthening fishery resource management, all efforts are directed toward building a green, sustainable fisheries industry worthy of the province’s marine and island potential. This also serves as Quang Ngai’s powerful affirmation in the nationwide battle against IUU fishing, for the long-term benefit of fishermen and the sustainable development of Vietnam’s fisheries sector.
Hai Dang