Strengthening protection of marine ecosystems

Tighten management at sea

Recently, the Fisheries Sub-Department (Department of Agriculture and Environment) has increased patrols and controls to prevent the exploitation of aquatic resources by destructive methods such as electric shock and mechanical trapping, especially in sensitive areas such as Thi Nai lagoon and De Gi lagoon. As a result, from the beginning of 2025 to present, the fisheries control force has fined 53 fishing vessel owners for violations with a total fine of 549 million VND.

The movement to clean up the sea and beaches is spreading strongly, attracting more and more people to join hands to protect and develop aquatic resources. Photo: NN

From July 1, 2025, Decree No. 189/2025/ND-CP detailing the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations on the authority to sanction administrative violations issued by the Government officially took effect. The highlight of the Decree is to grant higher sanctioning power to the Head of the Department of Fisheries. Accordingly, the Head of the Department of Fisheries has the authority to sanction administrative violations up to 50% of the maximum fine, about 500 million VND. In addition, the authorities also have the right to confiscate the violated objects.

Implementing Decree No. 189/2025/ND-CP, on July 31, the Department of Fisheries organized a patrol in Quy Nhon waters and discovered 2 fishing boats of fishermen from other provinces simultaneously violating 2 serious violations: Fishing in the wrong area and using electric shock tools - an absolutely prohibited act in fishing. The Director of the Department of Fisheries issued 2 decisions to impose administrative fines totaling 30 million VND and confiscated the violated items.

According to information from the Department, the fishermen who violated the decision have complied with the penalty and paid their fines on time. “This demonstrates the effectiveness in enforcing new legal regulations and at the same time contributes to raising fishermen’s awareness of compliance in fishing activities,” said Nguyen Huu Nghia, Director of the Department of Fisheries.

“Double shield” from science and community

In addition to strict measures to handle acts that damage aquatic resources, in-depth protection of aquatic resources is considered a fundamental and sustainable solution, focusing on the harmonious combination of indigenous knowledge and modern science.

People collect plastic waste floating on the sea and along the coast to keep the environment clean. Photo: NN

The Department of Fisheries proactively advises and coordinates with relevant units to implement tasks and projects to investigate, evaluate and protect aquatic resources, including promoting the effectiveness of community organizations.

In 2024, the Community Organization of Ghenh Rang Ward (now Quy Nhon Nam Ward) launched 6 propaganda campaigns on the 2017 Fisheries Law and regulations on protecting sea and islands, attracting 310 officials and people to participate, 95 fishermen signed a commitment to comply with regulations on protecting the marine environment. This organization also coordinated with neighborhoods to disseminate laws to fishermen's families, mobilize fishermen to maintain exploitation, fishing, and aquaculture activities in the locality in accordance with the law, actively work with the ward to protect coral reef areas, and participate in protecting and developing aquatic resources. Stabilizing operations after the merger, the ward is planning to consolidate and create conditions for the organization to continue promoting its role.

Recently (from July 26 to 30), the Institute of Marine Research (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) conducted a survey of coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in Quy Nhon Nam ward, Quy Nhon Dong ward and Nhon Chau commune to collect data on the current distribution and fluctuations of coral reefs and seagrass beds; assess fishing activities, especially destructive fishing methods such as dredging, mining, electric shock... The survey team also interviewed and discussed with community organizations protecting aquatic resources, government representatives and Women's Unions of communes and wards about the current status of coral reefs, seagrass beds and the effectiveness of community models.

Mr. Tran Van Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries, said that the data collected from consultation sessions and survey dives is an important scientific basis for the Institute of Marine Research to develop the most effective management, conservation and restoration solutions for coral reefs and seagrass beds in these areas.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/tang-cuong-bao-ve-he-sinh-thai-bien-post562609.html