Nghe An will gradually reduce fishing boats exploiting seafood, affecting resources and the ecological environment.

Plans were issued to convert some occupations.seafood exploitationShifting fishing activities that have a large impact on resources, the environment, and the ecosystem to fishing activities that have less impact or to other areas other than fishing to gradually balance the fishing force in accordance with the ability to restore and regenerate aquatic resources; gradually improving productivity, quality, and efficiency of fishing fleets in fishing and protecting resources; improving the working environment and ensuring that 100% of fishermen who change jobs have stable jobs and income to ensure their lives after changing jobs.

The plan sets out the goal of gradually reducing the number of fishing vessels using seafood exploitation activities that affect resources andecological environment, annually reduce at least 1.5% for ships operating in offshore areas; 4-5% for ships operating in coastal areas.

The goal by 2025 is to improve the capacity of State management on the protection and development of aquatic resources, ensuring unity and synchronization from the provincial to district and commune levels; train and disseminate information to fishermen and promote the role of Co-management Teams and communities in the protection and development of aquatic resources.

Strive to reduce 184 fishing vessels in operation by December 31, 2025 (compared to January 1, 2023), leaving 3,209, of which: Cut down 40 fishing vessels operating in offshore areas, leaving 1,101; cut down 144 fishing vessels operating in offshore and coastal areas, leaving 2,108. Survey and build models for converting from trawling to highly selective fishing and trawling suitable to the actual conditions of Nghe An's fisheries to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

By December 31, 2030, 672 fishing vessels in operation will be reduced (compared to December 31, 2025), leaving 2,537 vessels, of which: Reductionfishing boat96 vessels operating in offshore areas, 1,005 vessels remaining; 576 fishing vessels operating in offshore and coastal areas, 1,532 vessels remaining.

Convert 20 trawling vessels operating in offshore areas to cage, trap, purse seine, line, logistics services, and gillnets (except tuna); convert 100 vessels operating in coastal and offshore areas currently operating in seafood exploitation to aquaculture, aquaculture services, recreational fishing, and other economic occupations...

To achieve the set goals, the Provincial People's Committee requires strengthening propaganda and dissemination of laws, raising awareness of the fishing community about converting some seafood exploitation occupations that affect resources and the ecological environment. Implement, amend and supplement the Regulation on specific criteria for granting approval documents for renting, purchasing, converting and building new fishing vessels in the direction of reducing fishing occupations that greatly affect resources and consume a lot of fuel to selective fishing occupations that consume less fuel; limit the purchase of fishing vessels from other provinces for old vessels (over 10 years old) and those that affect aquatic resources. Annually, conduct a statistical review of the number of fishing vessels (with a focus on investigating fishing vessels engaged in trawling and tuna trawling) in the whole province.

Along with that, survey the need to convert from invasive and destructive fishing (trawling) to highly selective fishing that is suitable for the actual conditions of fishing in Nghe An, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. Implement scientific application projects, investigate aquatic species, form artificial habitats for aquatic species, and organize management of areas with diverse ecosystems.

The Provincial People's Committee has also proposed solutions to strictly manage fishing quotas by occupation, control the statistics of landing output and complete the fisheries sector database to ensure synchronization with the province's digital transformation plan. Strengthen coordination between the Fisheries Surveillance force, the Police, the Border Guard, the People's Committees at district and commune levels, relevant units and media agencies.

Develop and submit to competent authorities for promulgation policies to support the conversion of fishing occupations that affect resources and the ecological environment to non-fishing occupations or occupations that have little impact on marine resources and the ecosystem; policies to support vocational training for seafood fishermen who want to change occupations.

At the same time, build models of experiential tourism activities combined with exploitation, processing, and use of seafood to increase value and income for people. Build models of conversion from exploitation that affects resources and ecological environment to recreational fishing and aquaculture in coastal areas, estuaries, and inlets. Gradually improve and apply science and technology, digital transformation in seafood exploitation activities, and preserve products after harvest to improve economic efficiency. Research and learn to transfer new exploitation techniques that use less fuel but still ensure economic efficiency for fishermen.