Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Director of the Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning, announced that from 2006 to 2015, the Ministry of Fisheries will allocate approximately 100 billion VND (including international aid) to establish 15 marine protected areas.
The protected areas include Tran Island, Co To (Quang Ninh), Cat Ba, Bach Long Vi (Hai Phong); Hon Me (Thanh Hoa), Con Co (Quang Tri), Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam), Ly Son (Quang Ngai), Hon Mun, Nam Yet (Khanh Hoa), Hon Cau, Phu Quy (Binh Thuan), Con Dao (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), and the waters surrounding the Son Tra Peninsula (Da Nang) and Hai Van (Thua Thien Hue).
According to the plan, five key tasks will be implemented in the near future: conducting research on biodiversity and socio-economic issues related to the establishment and development of protected areas in Vietnam; improving research capabilities for effective management of these areas; raising awareness among local communities in the protected areas; enhancing the livelihoods of people living inside and outside the protected areas; and developing sustainable financial programs for the management of the protected areas.
The Ministry of Fisheries is currently drafting a directive that strictly prohibits fishing activities in the 15 protected areas while designating zones for permitted fishing and areas that are off-limits. The government has also requested the Ministry of Fisheries to reduce the number of fishing boats operating close to shore, promote offshore fishing, and maintain brackish water aquaculture.
