Developing Vietnam's aquaculture: Starting with data transparency and green transformation

(Dan Tri) - Vietnam's seafood industry is under pressure from climate change, IUU yellow card, technical barriers and "green barriers" from export markets, the requirement to transform to sustainable development, transparency and high technology application has become urgent.

From policy strategy to practical action

The workshop “Sustainable development of the aquaculture industry” was organized by the Green Future Fund - Vingroup Corporation in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) in Nha Trang on June 7.

This is an activity within the framework of the campaign “Acting together for the blue ocean” in response to World Oceans Day (June 8) launched by the Foundation for a Blue Future. The workshop gathered more than 150 industry representatives, affirming the new direction of Vietnamese seafood: integration must be green, development must be responsible.

Taking place in the context of the Prime Minister 's Decision 911/QD-TTg on controlling aquatic environmental pollution starting to be implemented, the workshop is one of the rare multilateral forums focusing on substantive discussions on sustainable development strategies for the fisheries sector.

Dr. Nhu Van Can highly appreciated the innovation efforts in the fisheries industry.

Dr. Nhu Van Can - Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said that Vietnam's fisheries industry is facing an important crossroads.

Although export turnover exceeds the 10 billion USD mark in 2024, there are still challenges from climate change, overexploitation; IUU yellow card from the EC; technical barriers and green standards from import markets; pressure from recent anti-dumping and reciprocal taxes from the United States, etc.

“Developing modern, sustainable, green and internationally competitive fisheries has become a consistent goal in the current context. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is implementing many key orientations such as reducing fishing, increasing aquaculture, especially large-scale marine aquaculture, integrating multiple values, combined with the conservation of aquatic resources; digital transformation, application of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, blockchain in disease control and traceability.

Along with that is developing on-site processing models, saving energy, reducing emissions; building a circular supply chain, participating in the carbon credit mechanism, to not only integrate, but also integrate green, proactively and responsibly", Dr. Nhu Van Can shared.

Data transparency - the key to green and sustainable development of Vietnamese seafood

At the workshop, speakers participated in in-depth discussions revolving around "hot" issues in the seafood industry.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac - President of VASEP emphasized that current seafood exploitation, especially fishing at sea, lacks transparency and specific data. While onshore aquaculture sources can be traced, offshore fishing is very difficult to control and accurately quantify.

Therefore, to move towards a green and sustainable circular fisheries industry, Vietnam needs to build a system to digitize fishing data at sea; apply technology that advanced countries are doing such as digitizing from ship to land, and transparent auctions.

The VASEP Chairman affirmed that sustainable development is a prerequisite to maintain the industry's export position and the livelihoods of coastal workers.

Sharing the same view, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Fisheries Association (VINAFIS), said that the concept of “sustainable development” needs to be viewed more comprehensively. Accordingly, successful farming techniques are not enough, it is necessary to find a method of mass application. The supply chain and international integration requirements are pressures but also opportunities that force the seafood industry to change according to international standards. In addition, for green and sustainable development, it is urgent to preserve natural capital, including marine ecosystems, resources and biodiversity, which are very vulnerable.

“If production continues to increase without taking into account natural limits, the fisheries industry will not be sustainable. Data transparency and correct assessment of the current situation are prerequisites for protecting resources and maintaining long-term development,” Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Chu Hoi affirmed.

Experts discuss in depth sustainable development solutions for the aquaculture industry.

According to Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, former Deputy Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, member of the Executive Committee of VINAFIS, developing the fisheries industry and protecting the environment can go hand in hand, as long as there is a clear strategy and specific, practical actions.

“It is necessary to clearly understand the roles and responsibilities of relevant parties; prepare appropriate legal foundations and technical tools, and develop specific and feasible policies, instead of just stopping at slogans,” Dr. Pham Anh Tuan emphasized.

At the discussion, experts also listened to and answered opinions from many aquaculture households, solutions to gradually start the transition from traditional models to high-tech marine farming models; ways to handle the lack of infrastructure for offshore aquaculture when there are no docks...

VASEP General Secretary Nguyen Hoai Nam added that from April 15, the preferential credit support for the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector has been increased to VND100,000 billion. This is a concrete step to implement the Government's direction to remove difficulties for businesses and production households in the sector.

Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam shared practical recommendations to improve policies and support synchronous and effective green transformation.

Emphasizing the importance of the workshop, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Sac expressed her impression with the message “For a green future, for a green Vietnam”, an inspiring vision for sustainable development of Vingroup. She emphasized that Vietnam is a strong country in aquaculture and this industry needs to transform towards green development, protecting the marine ecosystem.

The VASEP President also highly appreciated the role of the Green Future Fund and the persistent and practical contributions from Vingroup. She said that financial support plays a very important role, and Vingroup has not only stopped at superficial support activities but also penetrated into people's lives, contributing to promoting the sustainable development of the country, which she greatly appreciates.

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: "Green Wednesday" campaign - encouraging green lifestyles in the community; "Green Summer" with the participation of more than 7,000 volunteer students from 30 universities; "Green Voice" and "Send Green Future 2050" competitions attracting 23,000 students from 61 provinces and cities to participate.

As a “connecting partner - catalyst”, the Fund aims to build sustainable innovation practice models, opening up a green journey in each socio-economic field.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/phat-trien-thuy-san-viet-nam-bat-dau-tu-minh-bach-du-lieu-va-chuyen-doi-xanh-20250608135531139.htm