Report of the National Conference on Responsible Fisheries in Viet Nam

The National Conference on Responsible Fisheries in Viet Nam (Hanoi), 29-30 September 2003) was organized by the Ministry of Fisheries of Viet Nam in close collaboration with the Research Institute Marine fisheries and the FAO Fish Code Programme. The Conference was held in the context of increasing problems faced by fisherfolk in maintaining and improving their livelihoods through coastal and offshore fisheries. Some coastal fish resources in particular are heavily over exploited. The Conference aimed to build awareness amongst national policy makers and resource users regarding overexploitation and its consequences, facilitate discussion on ways and means to promote a national transition to responsible fisheries, and identify and develop consensus an elements of a national strategy to achieve responsible fisheries management in Viet Nam. It was attended by a large number of stakeholders, representing local and commercial fisheries interests, National and provincial government bodies, bilateral development assistance agencies and international organizations.