Challenges and strategies for sustainable fisheries in Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam's fisheries sector, crucial to its economy, faces challenges such as overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This thesis explores these issues and suggests potential solutions involving government regulations, private sector initiatives, and NGO interventions. Through semi-structured interviews with industry experts, the qualitative study identifies gaps in transparency, data management, and enforcement, further complicated by corruption and limited awareness of sustainable practices. Opportunities for improvement are identified, particularly through technological innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) and community-based management approaches. Recommendations include enhancing traceability systems with AI, fostering collaborative efforts through Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), and strengthening regulatory frameworks. Additionally, a self-sustaining model for traceability systems integrated with e-commerce platforms is proposed. This research aims to provide insights for policymakers and industry leaders, contributing to the dialogue on achieving sustainable fisheries management in Vietnam.