Fisheries Stock Enhancement: An Important Measure towards Sustainable Development of the Fisheries Sector of Viet Nam

Abstract

The contribution of coastal fisheries and inland fisheries to the livelihoods of the Vietnamese people has long been acknowledged, especially inland fisheries in the rural and mountainous areas. In recent years, inland and coastal fishery resources declined due to overfishing, environmental degradation and population putting increased pressure on the natural resources. The Government of Viet Nam has enacted many policies to support the sustainable development of the fisheries sector such as: the Fisheries Development Strategy 2020, National Master Plan for Fisheries Development 2020 oriented to 2030, Plan on the System of Viet Nam's Marine Protected Areas 2020, Program on Protection and Development of Aquatic Resources 2020. Stock enhancement is considered as an important measure towards sustainable development of Viet Nam's fisheries sector and is an integral component of many inland and coastal fisheries plans in many provinces of Viet Nam. With robust developments in artificial propagation techniques for fast-growing and desirable fish species and consequent increased availability of seed stocks, Viet Nam promotes stock enhancement is a management tool to recover depleted species populations. The main stocks released are Penaeus monodon, Notopterus notopterus, Seminabeo notabilis, Spinibarbichthys denticulatus, Hamibagrus elongatus, Cyprinus carpio, Squaliobarbus curiculus. A comprehensive evaluation of stock enhancement in large water bodies and rivers has not been done in Viet Nam. However, initial results of these activities are considered important measures for enhancing the resources to be able to continue providing animal protein, employment and household incomes for rural populations.