Dong Thap province has announced a new plan to phase out several types of fishing gear classified as harmful to aquatic resources and coastal ecosystems, a move seen as a key step toward more sustainable fisheries management.
According to the provincial People’s Committee, Dong Thap currently operates 1,523 fishing vessels with a combined engine capacity of 553,980 CV. Of these, 1,182 vessels (413,303 CV) are engaged in capture fisheries, while 341 vessels (140,677 CV) support fishing logistics. An estimated 9,600 workers rely directly on marine fishing activities.
Most of the fleet operates in nearshore waters, where the high prevalence of trawlers and trap-based gear has contributed to declining fish stocks and habitat degradation. Officials say that shifting these vessels toward more selective and lower-impact gear types is essential to align fishing effort with available biomass, support stock recovery, and maintain stable livelihoods for coastal communities.
The province has also identified several gear categories considered highly destructive and in urgent need of conversion to more environmentally responsible alternatives. Additional policy measures may be required to curb fishing intensity, safeguard marine resources, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Clear reduction targets across fishing zones
Nearshore zone (vessels 6 – <12 m): Dong Thap aims to reduce or convert 5 percent of gillnet and handline vessels each year. By 2030, 76 of the current 307 vessels operating in these waters, including 62 gillnetters and 14 handline boats are expected to be retired or transitioned to other gear types.
Inshore zone (vessels 12 – <15 m): Annual reduction targets are set at 4 percent for trawlers and for other gears such as mobile stake traps, lift nets, and push nets. By 2030, the province plans to reduce the 282-vessel fleet by 56 units, including 16 trawlers and 40 vessels using other gear categories.
Offshore zone (vessels ≥15 m): Authorities propose an annual 1.5 percent reduction and conversion rate for trawlers, gillnetters, and stationary trap vessels. By 2030, Dong Thap expects to retire or convert 70 of the current 934 vessels, including 51 trawlers, seven gillnet vessels, and 12 boats in other categories.
After 2030, the province intends to fully eliminate fishing gears deemed harmful to marine resources, habitats, and ecosystems across all zones, aligning the fleet with national efforts to build a more sustainable fisheries sector.
VFM
