As demand grows for responsible and sustainable fisheries amid deeper global integration, protecting and restoring aquatic resources has become an urgent priority for coastal localities.
Reporters from Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television spoke with Cao Thanh Thương, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, about solutions to safeguard aquatic resources while advancing a sustainable blue economy.
* Mr. Thương, what are the key focus areas of the province’s 2026 plan for protecting and developing aquatic resources?
Mr. Cao Thanh Thương. Photo: N.N
- The 2026 plan takes a comprehensive approach, combining marine ecosystem conservation, restoration of natural resources, and tighter management of fishing activities.
Our primary focus is to refine mechanisms and policies while strengthening the effectiveness of state management in the fisheries sector. This includes reviewing fishing methods and gear, proposing updates to the list of prohibited or restricted practices, and identifying areas where seasonal fishing bans are needed to allow resources to regenerate naturally.
At the same time, we will gradually establish and manage aquatic resource protection zones more effectively. Resource restoration programmes will also be expanded through the timely release of native species, tailored to the ecological conditions of each marine area.
Another priority is enhancing the protection of endangered and rare aquatic species, as well as ecologically valuable marine animals. In line with international regulations on marine biodiversity, we will promote stronger coordination among agencies in monitoring, rescue operations, and controlling harmful exploitation activities.
We also aim to strengthen the role of fishing communities through co-management models. Encouraging community participation not only improves resource protection but also promotes responsible fishing practices, supporting long-term sustainability.
Effective protection of aquatic resources requires a coordinated approach to rationally exploiting marine potential while ensuring the capacity for resource regeneration and recovery. Photo: N.N
* How will patrol, inspection and control of fishing activities be improved in 2026 to enhance compliance and management effectiveness?
- Patrol and inspection are key tasks, not only for detecting and handling violations but also for building a transparent and responsible fishing environment aligned with legal requirements and international commitments.
We are moving from ad-hoc inspections to a system of regular, continuous and targeted monitoring. The Department will work closely with the Border Guard, Police and local authorities to conduct comprehensive patrols across marine areas, river mouths, fishing ports, and seafood collection and processing facilities.
Through these efforts, destructive fishing practices, such as the use of electric shocks, explosives, chemicals or banned gear, will be identified and strictly penalised. We will gradually phase out environmentally harmful practices while supporting occupational transitions in line with the province’s Fisheries Development Project.
Our approach goes beyond enforcement. We are also focused on raising awareness among fishing communities. Legal education and guidance on sustainable practices will be regularly delivered through training programmes and communication activities at ports and coastal areas.
In parallel, the province will implement support policies to help fishermen transition to alternative livelihoods and maintain stable incomes.
* How do you view the relationship between protecting aquatic resources and building a modern blue economy?
- Protecting aquatic resources is the foundation of the blue economy. If resources are depleted and marine ecosystems degraded, it will be impossible to sustain long-term growth in the fisheries sector.
That is why conservation and restoration are treated as prerequisites in our marine economic development strategy. We aim to balance two objectives: the rational use of marine resources and the capacity for natural regeneration.
A key solution is restructuring fishing activities by reducing pressure on nearshore areas while gradually expanding organised offshore fishing, with stricter management of output and fishing grounds.
At the same time, we are prioritising the protection and restoration of critical marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and natural spawning grounds. These ecosystems act as “natural nurseries” for marine life and play a vital role in the recovery and sustainable development of aquatic resources.
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