1. National Efforts to Promote the Responsibility and the Rights of Small-scale Fisheries and Fishing Communities in the Inland and Marine Sector in Viet Nam By Nguyen Chu Hoi, Le Tran Nguyen Hung and Dao Manh Son Ministry of Fisheries

2. Background  Viet Nam has the advantages of physical conditions, of natural and human resources to develop a strong fisheries  In fact fisheries economics plays very important role in the national economy and social life  The fisheries sector of the country is developed in the inland and seas, but centrally in coastal areas.  In the context of developing and poor country, the fisheries sector contributes to securing the food safety and improving livelihoods for people in rural, coastal, mountainous and island areas.  However, fishing communities operating over the wide seas often suffer from natural disasters and risks.

3. Background…(2) In last 10 years, fisheries sector in Viet Nam has grown rapidly, continuously and stably in both production volume (average 5-7%/ year) and export value. In last 10 years, fisheries sector in Viet Nam has grown rapidly, continuously and stably in both production volume (average 5-7%/ year) and export value. Viet Nam is still standing stably in the list of top ten fisheries export Viet Nam is still standing stably in the list of top ten fisheries export countries in the world and will continue to hold this position in the future. countries in the world and will continue to hold this position in the future. Vietnamese Government has remarkable efforts in promoting responsible small-scale fisheries and the rights of small-scale fishing communities to: Vietnamese Government has remarkable efforts in promoting responsible small-scale fisheries and the rights of small-scale fishing communities to: - maintain the healthy of aquatic ecosystems and environments, as well as protect fisheries resources and biodiversity; - maintain the healthy of aquatic ecosystems and environments, as well as protect fisheries resources and biodiversity; - prevent overfishing, reduce fishing capacity and conform to the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheires which commited by Vietnamese Government; - prevent overfishing, reduce fishing capacity and conform to the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheires which commited by Vietnamese Government; - Ensure balancing between captured activities and fisheries resources base to improve fisher livelihoods, increase fisheries effectiveness and sustainability. - Ensure balancing between captured activities and fisheries resources base to improve fisher livelihoods, increase fisheries effectiveness and sustainability.

4. Status of the small-scale fisheries Viet Nam was in range of top 20 countries in term of production from marine and freshwater capture fisheries, as well as of top 10 fisheries export countries in the world. Viet Nam was in range of top 20 countries in term of production from marine and freshwater capture fisheries, as well as of top 10 fisheries export countries in the world. However, the country’s fisheries is still considered as a small-scale fisheries with traditionally mode of artisanal production and technologically backward capture. However, the country’s fisheries is still considered as a small-scale fisheries with traditionally mode of artisanal production and technologically backward capture. About 3.7 million tons in 2006, among about 1.8 million tons captured from the sea and the fisheries export turnover has reached the benchmark 3.0 USD billions About 3.7 million tons in 2006, among about 1.8 million tons captured from the sea and the fisheries export turnover has reached the benchmark 3.0 USD billions

5. In the period of 2001-2006, the capture fisheries has contributed a significant part in total fisheries production

6. There are an decreasing of landing catch in inland and an increasing in marine sector from year 1991 to 2006 Volume of landing catch (marine and inland ) 0.00 500.00 1,000.00 1,500.00 2,000.00 2,500.00 1991199319951997199920012003200420052006 Marine Inland Total Landing catch

7. ...Small-scale Fisheries The number of mechanised marine fishing boats and vessels have increased rapidly from year 1991 (44,000) to 91,000 in 2005. The capacity has also gone up from 824,000 Hp to 5,317,000 Hp respectively. The number of mechanised marine fishing boats and vessels have increased rapidly from year 1991 (44,000) to 91,000 in 2005. The capacity has also gone up from 824,000 Hp to 5,317,000 Hp respectively. This led to an increase in marine capture production, from 730,420 tons (an average of 0.89 ton/Hp) in 1991 to 1,809,700 tons (an average of 0.34 ton/Hp) in 2005. This led to an increase in marine capture production, from 730,420 tons (an average of 0.89 ton/Hp) in 1991 to 1,809,700 tons (an average of 0.34 ton/Hp) in 2005. Source: Ministry of Fisheries, 2002

8. …Small-scale Fisheries Regarding the structure of fishing fleets, the quantity of fishing boats <45 HP takes 72% of the total mechanized fishing boats of the country. Most of fishing boats are small-sized and able to operate in the coastal areas. Regarding the structure of fishing fleets, the quantity of fishing boats <45 HP takes 72% of the total mechanized fishing boats of the country. Most of fishing boats are small-sized and able to operate in the coastal areas. Recently, the number of Recently, the number of fishing boats/vessels has fishing boats/vessels has had a considerable change. had a considerable change.  There are 3 strongest fisheries gears: trawl fishery taking 29%, gears: trawl fishery taking 29%, gillnet fishery 20% and longline gillnet fishery 20% and longline 17% of the total fishing boats. 17% of the total fishing boats.

9. Fishing Communities in Viet Nam Viet Nam has 28 coastal provinces and cities, including 120 coastal districts and towns. Of which, there are only 115 coastal districts and towns, equal to 628 communes have fisher communities with fishing job in their provincial sea areas. Viet Nam has 28 coastal provinces and cities, including 120 coastal districts and towns. Of which, there are only 115 coastal districts and towns, equal to 628 communes have fisher communities with fishing job in their provincial sea areas. The fisher communities located differently along the coast: about 10% of the total fishers living in towns, 45% in coastal sandy areas and 55% in river and channel estuaries areas. The fisher communities located differently along the coast: about 10% of the total fishers living in towns, 45% in coastal sandy areas and 55% in river and channel estuaries areas. The total number of capture households is 150,000. Each commune has 240 households (8 members/household) and an average of 840 full-time fishers. The total number of capture households is 150,000. Each commune has 240 households (8 members/household) and an average of 840 full-time fishers.

10. Fishing Communities… The number of full-time fishers in those districts is 530,000, accounts for 93% of the total full-time fishers of the whole country. The part-time fisher accounts for 70% of the total population in those districts. The number of full-time fishers in those districts is 530,000, accounts for 93% of the total full-time fishers of the whole country. The part-time fisher accounts for 70% of the total population in those districts. Besides capture, they are also earning living from salt production, marine aquaculture and agriculture. Besides capture, they are also earning living from salt production, marine aquaculture and agriculture. Many traditional fishing villages have been formed in coastal areas with unique traditional culture and fishing ways. The income and living standards of local fishers have been improved significantly, and the poverty rate has been reduced. Many traditional fishing villages have been formed in coastal areas with unique traditional culture and fishing ways. The income and living standards of local fishers have been improved significantly, and the poverty rate has been reduced.

11. Challenges for Small-scale Fisheries and Fishing Community Concerns The legal framework and policies in managing capture activities, as well as local fisher communities have been promulgated continuously in the last few years, however, the enforcement of those policies in reality is less effective. The human resources for policies implementation monitoring in capture and aquatic resource protection is limited in quantity and quality. Many cases that breaking the rules and policies have not been prevented and punished on time. The legal framework and policies in managing capture activities, as well as local fisher communities have been promulgated continuously in the last few years, however, the enforcement of those policies in reality is less effective. The human resources for policies implementation monitoring in capture and aquatic resource protection is limited in quantity and quality. Many cases that breaking the rules and policies have not been prevented and punished on time.

12. Challenges for… The capture production organization and management are uneffective due to lack of input-output control, unclarification of right-benefit relation of local fisher communities, lack of community-based co-management for small-scale fisheries and lack of local communities involvement in capture fisheries management and aquatic living resource protection. Except from this, the survice activities of postharvesting, processing and storage are small and artisanal; increased high price of vessel fuels. The capture production organization and management are uneffective due to lack of input-output control, unclarification of right-benefit relation of local fisher communities, lack of community-based co-management for small-scale fisheries and lack of local communities involvement in capture fisheries management and aquatic living resource protection. Except from this, the survice activities of postharvesting, processing and storage are small and artisanal; increased high price of vessel fuels. The capture fisheries sector in Viet Nam is mainly small-scale with over 80% of vessels and boats less 45 HP operating in the nearshore areas and cause high- pressure for marine living resources. The capture fisheries sector in Viet Nam is mainly small-scale with over 80% of vessels and boats less 45 HP operating in the nearshore areas and cause high- pressure for marine living resources. The size of captured species is getting smaller, especially with the high economicaly value species. The size of captured species is getting smaller, especially with the high economicaly value species. The coastal marine ecosystems/habitats/environment and nearshore living resources are over- exploited and degraded. The coastal marine ecosystems/habitats/environment and nearshore living resources are over- exploited and degraded.

13. Challenges for… (2) The destructive gears and capture types have been broadly used and unable to prevent. Almost all fishing nets do not conform to the rules of net mesh-size. Therefore, the rate of by-catch species and small-size fish is high. For example, the by-catch volume in shrimp nets accounts for 60-80% of the total captured shrimp production, in fish trawling is 40-80%, in bottom trawling nets is 90% and 90-93% with push nets The destructive gears and capture types have been broadly used and unable to prevent. Almost all fishing nets do not conform to the rules of net mesh-size. Therefore, the rate of by-catch species and small-size fish is high. For example, the by-catch volume in shrimp nets accounts for 60-80% of the total captured shrimp production, in fish trawling is 40-80%, in bottom trawling nets is 90% and 90-93% with push nets Lack of marine capture zoning Lack of marine capture zoning according to vessel/boat according to vessel/boat different sizes, sometimes different sizes, sometimes vessels over 200-450 HP are vessels over 200-450 HP are still operated in nearshore with still operated in nearshore with 15-25m in depth which caused 15-25m in depth which caused negative impacts to the nearshore negative impacts to the nearshore living resources. living resources.

14. Challenges for… The labour quality in capture fisheries is low. Almost all fishers doing capture based on experience or inherit technical knowledge from their previous generations. About 90% fishers are poor, who cannot invest for their own vessels/boats and have to sell labours for vessel owners. The labour quality in capture fisheries is low. Almost all fishers doing capture based on experience or inherit technical knowledge from their previous generations. About 90% fishers are poor, who cannot invest for their own vessels/boats and have to sell labours for vessel owners. Although the marine capture is hard and risky for both vessel and human, many fishers do not secure their job by insurance. Therefore, once accidents and natural disasters have created various social issues for the fishing communities and their family. Although the marine capture is hard and risky for both vessel and human, many fishers do not secure their job by insurance. Therefore, once accidents and natural disasters have created various social issues for the fishing communities and their family. Among some 20 million inhabitants in 115 coastal communes depending upon the coastal and marine resources, there still are about 14% of poorest (equal 208 communes) and untill year 2004 there exist 157 specially poor island and coastal communes. Among some 20 million inhabitants in 115 coastal communes depending upon the coastal and marine resources, there still are about 14% of poorest (equal 208 communes) and untill year 2004 there exist 157 specially poor island and coastal communes.

15. Promoting Responsible Small-scale Fisheries and the Rights of Fishing Communities Improving the legal framework of capture fisheries management. Enacted the Law of Fisheries in 26th Nov. 2003 in which the solutions to promote responsible fisheries and to decentralize fisheries management for local communities introducted. To implement the Law of Fisheries, the Government and MoFi have promulgated many under-law documents, policies, national Improving the legal framework of capture fisheries management. Enacted the Law of Fisheries in 26th Nov. 2003 in which the solutions to promote responsible fisheries and to decentralize fisheries management for local communities introducted. To implement the Law of Fisheries, the Government and MoFi have promulgated many under-law documents, policies, national program... program...  The master plan for fisheries sector development towards sector development towards year 2010 and vision 2020 has year 2010 and vision 2020 has been approved by the Prime been approved by the Prime Minister Minister

16. Promoting Responsible Small-scale Fisheries… National program on aquatic resources protection and development was issued and have been implementing from 2005 by projects such communities- based management, National program on aquatic resources protection and development was issued and have been implementing from 2005 by projects such communities- based management, Decree No 123-2006/ND-CP on management of fishing activities at seas in relevant to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The decree focuses on the coastal marine waters zoning and allocation for local communities to use marine culture Decree No 123-2006/ND-CP on management of fishing activities at seas in relevant to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The decree focuses on the coastal marine waters zoning and allocation for local communities to use marine culture Ecological environment and aquatic resources protection such as: resources assessment Ecological environment and aquatic resources protection such as: resources assessment and fishing mapping; define and fishing mapping; define permissible capture volume for permissible capture volume for marine regions; EIA application marine regions; EIA application for fisheries projects and for fisheries projects and established MPAs system with established MPAs system with 15 MPA sites;…and release the 15 MPA sites;…and release the breed aquatic resources. breed aquatic resources.

17. Promoting… A national guidline for implementing small-scale fisheries co-management developed with support of SEAFDEC and it includes fisheries right in coastal areas as a core legislation for implementing fisheries co-management. The Vietnamese models for adaptive fisheries co-management have been developing by The Capture Fisheries Management Component (DANIDA). A national guidline for implementing small-scale fisheries co-management developed with support of SEAFDEC and it includes fisheries right in coastal areas as a core legislation for implementing fisheries co-management. The Vietnamese models for adaptive fisheries co-management have been developing by The Capture Fisheries Management Component (DANIDA).

18. The strategic directions and detail targets for marine capture development towards year 2020 Sustain the current marine capture production at about 1.8 million tons; Sustain the current marine capture production at about 1.8 million tons; Reduce the by-catch rate in every fishing nets; Reduce the by-catch rate in every fishing nets; Apply advanced post-harvesting technology and promote the biotechnology application in disease treatment and increase the value-added of fisheries products; Apply advanced post-harvesting technology and promote the biotechnology application in disease treatment and increase the value-added of fisheries products; Promote the marine aquaculture, firstly around the islands, in estuarine and coastal areas, as well as gradually to expand to the offshore areas culture; Promote the marine aquaculture, firstly around the islands, in estuarine and coastal areas, as well as gradually to expand to the offshore areas culture;

19. The strategic directions…  Re-organize and strengthen the service system for marine capture;  Promote the establishment and management for marine protected areas (MPAs) in order to secure important habitats/ecosystems and protect marine biodiversity as “ecological capital” for sustainable fisheries development;  Diversify the new alternative livelihoods for local communities living in and around the MPA sites such as recreational fishing, adaptive aquaculture, etc.

20. Strategic directions… Improve international cooperation in both research and investment for effectively and sustainablely marine fisheries development in the global era. Improve international cooperation in both research and investment for effectively and sustainablely marine fisheries development in the global era.

21. Strategic directions… Promote the community right- based co-management application in small- scale fisheries management, especially for nearshore and island capture fisher communities. Promote the community right- based co-management application in small- scale fisheries management, especially for nearshore and island capture fisher communities. Community- based co- management

22. Thank you very much for your attention! For the bright future of regional and national fisheries!