Stricter rules introduced for fishing and aquaculture in seaport waters
Mining and aquaculture activities within seaport waters are now restricted to only those operations that have been licensed and officially allocated marine zones by the relevant authorities.
Effective from April 10, Decree 34/2025 brings amendments to several maritime regulations, setting clearer rules for passenger transport, cargo handling, mineral extraction, and fishing and aquaculture activities in port waters.
Specifically, activities like mining, fishing, and aquaculture in seaport waters must not interfere with maritime navigation, safety, security, or environmental protection. More importantly, these activities require formal authorization and area allocation by competent agencies, in line with legal provisions.
The new decree also expands the role of provincial and city-level People’s Committees. Local authorities are now required to work with maritime port authorities to manage aquaculture activities that could pose risks or obstruct marine traffic in port waters and territorial seas.
Before issuing licenses for mineral extraction in port waters, competent authorities must consult regional maritime port authorities to ensure maritime safety, security, and environmental standards are upheld.
For bottom-set nets, fishing, and aquaculture activities in port waters, approval from the maritime port authority is mandatory. Applicants must submit written requests, either directly or via postal services, to the relevant port authority.
Within one working day of receiving a request, the maritime port authority must respond in writing. If the activity complies with regulations, approval will be granted, valid for up to two years. If rejected, a written explanation must be provided.
In recent years, the rise in bottom-set net placements and aquaculture in port waters has complicated maritime traffic, especially in areas like Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, and Khanh Hoa. Port authorities have been stepping up inspections and enforcement to keep marine navigation safe and orderly.
VFM
