May 9, 2005

Vietnam looks to environmental protection to boost seafood exports

To achieve its target of producing 3.4 million tonnes and earning US$4.5 billion in seafood exports, Vietnam is seeking to prevent the degradation of its natural environment and ensure sustainable development.

Existing aquaculture resources are dwindling due to over fishing and a huge increase in the number of fishermen. The ecosystems in many rivers and coastal areas, which are host to habitats of aquatic animals, have also been severely polluted by the reckless disposal of untreated waste. However, the Vietnamese government is firm about taking steps to undo the damage and focus on environmental protection.

Within the fisheries sector, applying advanced technology in the production and packaging of aquaculture products can also help minimise harm to the environment. A sustainable output can be maximised by maintaining and upgrading aquaculture resources.

Such pro-environmental moves will depend heavily on support and assistance from other regional countries. Currently, Vietnam is already a signatory in many international treaties and conventions relating to fisheries and through these co-operative activities, food security and economic development look certain to improve.