Vietnamese aquaculture and the journey towards green transformation.

The event, held in response to World Ocean Day (June 8) and the "Act Together for a Blue Sea" campaign, brought together more than 150 representatives from businesses, scientists , management agencies, and fishermen.

Technological innovation - The key to transformation.

The workshop "Sustainable Development of the Fisheries Sector" was attended by representatives from the Fisheries Department, the Fisheries Inspection Department, the Khanh Hoa Department of Agriculture and Environment, organizations operating in the fisheries sector, research institutes, universities, leading businesses, and local fishermen.

This is one of the rare multilateral forums that focuses on substantive discussions about the strategy for developing the fisheries sector – a sector facing significant pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need to integrate sustainable export standards.

Thủy sản Việt và hành trình chuyển đổi xanh - 1 — Dr. Le Thai Ha delivered the opening remarks, affirming the importance of connecting stakeholders to promote truly sustainable development in the fisheries sector.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Le Thai Ha, Executive Director of the Foundation for a Green Future, emphasized: “Aquaculture is not only a key economic sector but also a measure of the health of the marine ecosystem. The current challenge is not just growth, but harmonious development between the economy, the environment, and social welfare. Green transformation requires co-creation – where knowledge, initiatives, and resources converge.”

The event was held in the context of Decision 911 on controlling environmental pollution in the fisheries sector officially coming into effect. The dual objective is to both enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese fisheries and minimize emissions and protect the sea.

With nearly 500km of coastline after its merger with Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa is the locality that "holds the key" to green transformation in the fisheries sector.

Thủy sản Việt và hành trình chuyển đổi xanh - 2 — Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fisheries Association (VINAFIS), along with experts, engaged in in-depth discussions on innovative solutions for building a green supply chain for the industry.

According to data from the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province, seafood export turnover in 2024 reached 729 million USD, accounting for more than 41% of the province's total exports. However, overfishing in coastal areas, plastic waste, and a lack of sustainable farming practices have had a significant impact on the marine environment.

Aiming to solve the problem of sustainable economic development alongside environmental protection, Mr. Nguyen Duy Quang, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Khanh Hoa province, shared a high-tech offshore aquaculture model using HDPE cages and a camera surveillance and positioning system. This solution, supported by the Thien Tam Foundation (Vingroup Group), is showing clear effectiveness, reducing the risk of natural disasters, increasing production, and limiting wastewater discharge.

Thủy sản Việt và hành trình chuyển đổi xanh - 3 — Mr. Nguyen Duy Quang, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Khanh Hoa province, shared about the "High-tech marine aquaculture" model aimed at increasing productivity while ensuring sustainable development.

Proposing innovations in farming and processing models, Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Fisheries, and member of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Fisheries Association (VINAFIS), shared technologies such as two-stage shrimp farming to reduce antibiotic use, solar-powered pangasius fish ponds, and recirculating aquaculture models (shrimp - seaweed - fish), which help reduce emissions and improve economic efficiency.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr. Le Minh Hoang, Director of the Institute of Aquaculture - Nha Trang University, emphasized the role of circular technology, circular economy, and close links between institutes, businesses, and localities in increasing productivity and protecting resources.

As a leading enterprise in the processing and export of seafood, Minh Phu Seafood Group offers insights from practical production. Ms. Le Thi Dieu Minh, Deputy General Director of Minh Phu Seafood Group, stated that the company is applying sustainable ingredients in feed, integrating closed-loop circular technology, reusing by-products, and reducing dependence on natural exploitation.

Supporting the above solutions, Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam - General Secretary of VASEP - suggested that the State should soon finalize policies to support green transformation, invest in modern aquaculture infrastructure, and promote regional linkages in production and consumption.

Thủy sản Việt và hành trình chuyển đổi xanh - 4 — Experts have collaborated on research and practical approaches to innovate the fisheries sector, moving towards a circular economy.

Connecting Partners - Catalysts

Sharing her thoughts on the significance of the "Acting Together for a Blue Sea" campaign, Dr. Le Thai Ha stated: "We believe that the path ahead requires co-creation, where knowledge, initiatives, and resources converge. The Foundation for a Green Future is committed not only to being a connecting partner but also a catalyst – promoting multi-faceted dialogue, supporting the transformation of development models, and spreading responsible innovative practices."

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac, President of VASEP, sustainable development is no longer an option, but the only way to maintain Vietnam's export position and ensure livelihoods for millions of coastal residents. "The workshop is the starting point for interdisciplinary thinking, connecting many stakeholders to create a truly transformative roadmap," the VASEP President affirmed.

Thủy sản Việt và hành trình chuyển đổi xanh - 5 — Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac, President of VASEP, emphasized the essential importance of sustainable development in the fisheries sector.

The workshop concluded with numerous highly applicable proposals and initiatives, opening up new approaches for the sustainable development of Vietnam's fisheries sector. The event also affirmed the role of the Green Future Fund in initiating and connecting, creating a platform for multi-faceted dialogue among stakeholders, thereby promoting timely transformation, decisive action, and multilateral linkages to enable the fisheries sector to transform strongly, greener, and more sustainably.

The Green Future Fund was established by Vingroup in July 2023 to contribute to realizing Vietnam's Net Zero goal by 2050. To date, the Fund has implemented a series of practical programs: the "Green Wednesday" campaign - encouraging sustainable consumption; the "Green Summer 2024" with the participation of more than 7,000 student volunteers from 30 universities; and the "Green Voice" and "Sending a Green Future 2050" competitions attracting 23,000 students from 61 provinces and cities.

As a "connecting partner and catalyst," the Fund aims to build sustainable innovation practices and pave the way for a greener future in every socio-economic sector.

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