Ca Mau develops a plan for sustainable transformation of fisheries exploitation.

The Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment is developing a plan to transform the fishing industry, aiming to reduce pressure on natural resources and combat IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

The project focuses on guiding and supporting fishermen in transitioning to alternative fishing methods, contributing to stable livelihoods, increased income, and gradually reducing dependence on inshore fishing activities. Photo: Trong Linh.

On December 11, 2025, the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment announced that it had issued a plan to develop a project on transforming fishing practices in Ca Mau province, aiming to reduce pressure on aquatic resources, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promote sustainable fisheries development.

According to the plan, the project focuses on guiding and supporting fishermen in transitioning to alternative fishing methods, contributing to stable livelihoods, increased income, and gradually reducing dependence on inshore fishing activities. Simultaneously, it will review and integrate relevant plans, programs, and projects, and conduct surveys and assessments of the current state of fishing activities and the need for occupational transition among fishermen based on actual data.

The project proposal must be developed in accordance with development plans, strategies, national target programs, and projects approved by competent authorities, clearly defining the resources for implementation, the implementation roadmap, and the responsibilities of each relevant agency and unit.

The plan's key tasks include: reviewing fishing license quotas, notifying local authorities, and registering the need for occupational conversion. Strictly enforcing the policy of not issuing approvals for newly built, modified, leased, or purchased fishing vessels engaged in prohibited or restricted fishing activities, and not issuing fishing licenses for modified or newly built vessels without the required approvals. Simultaneously, surveying and evaluating the economic efficiency of current fishing practices and the degree of dependence on aquatic resources will be conducted to compile the needs of fishermen for occupational conversion to aquaculture, services, or other suitable occupations.

The project to transform the fishing industry is of significant importance in reducing fishing pressure on natural fishery resources, contributing to the effective implementation of the policy to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Photo: Trong Linh.

According to the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, the project aims to encourage the conversion of inshore fishing to potential forms of fishing, including fishing services, recreational fishing, aquaculture, and marine farming services in suitable areas. Simultaneously, it will review suitable occupations for fishermen and policies supporting vocational training, access to capital, technology, and markets as stipulated.

Funding for implementation will come from the State budget, targeted programs, integrated funding, socialized funding, and other legitimate sources. In addition, the participation of specialized units, local coastal authorities, research institutes, universities, and professional social organizations will be mobilized.

The Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with leading the organization of surveys, compiling information, gathering opinions from departments, agencies, and localities, and finalizing the project proposal dossier for submission to the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee for consideration and promulgation before January 17, 2026, as a basis for implementing the contents of the conversion of fisheries occupations in the province in the coming period.

The development of a plan for transforming the fishing industry is crucial in reducing fishing pressure on natural fishery resources, contributing to the effective implementation of the policy against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and guiding the development of sustainable and responsible fisheries.

Through this project, fishermen are supported in transitioning to suitable occupations, stabilizing their livelihoods, increasing their income, and gradually reducing their dependence on coastal fishing. At the same time, it strengthens the effectiveness and efficiency of state management in the fisheries sector, protects, conserves, and restores aquatic resources, linking it with marine economic development and ensuring social welfare in Ca Mau province.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/ca-mau-xay-dung-de-an-chuyen-doi-nghe-khai-thac-thuy-san-ben-vung-d788810.html