More than 1 million fries released into the Cat Ba sea

In addition, Mr. Le Tien Chau, Secretary of Hai Phong City's Party Committee, as well as officials from Seafood Research Institutes, Research Institute for Aquaculture No1, and other units, departments, and municipalities were present at the occasion.

Due to the large quantity of aquatic fries, the delegates were divided into two groups and sent to two vessels of the Fisheries Surveillance Force. Each group consisted of more than 20 people, who were responsible for releasing the fries. Approximately 20 minutes later, over 1 million aquatic fries including grouper, sea bass, giant tiger prawn, greasyback shrimp were released to Cat Ba sea. 

Despite the sweltering weather, all participants expressed enthusiasm for being able engage in this significant activity to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Uncle Ho's visit to Cat Ba fishing village.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien affirmed that localities across the country have effectively carried out measures to protect and restore aquatic resources. These efforts have made a significant contribution to the recovery of aquatic resources, the growth of exploited species, and particularly the revival of rare and endangered species.

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development urges groups and people to collaborate in safeguarding and restoring aquatic resources, promoting awareness and taking responsibility in maintaining the aquatic resources and habitat of aquatic species in Cat Ba.

It is particularly underlined that the use of explosives, poisons, electric shocks, forbidden fishing gear, fishing gear with mesh sizes lower than the standards for seafood exploitation, catching juvenile fish, and catching endangered, uncommon, and important aquatic species is strictly prohibited.

According to the Institute of Seafood Research, there has been a decline of more than 50% in the stock of aquatic resources in this marine region over the previous 10 years. This is a very unfavorable signal for resource recovery at the current moment. Presently, there is a significant focus and financial commitment towards the conservation and advancement of aquatic resources in Vietnam for the purpose of research and development.

During the timeframe from now until 2030, several significant programs, projects, and initiatives are being planned and will be submitted for approval by the Prime Minister to oversee their execution in the area of protecting, restoring, and developing aquatic resources.

Currently, Vietnam is carrying out various programs and projects related to the assessment and management of aquatic resources. These include comprehensive surveys and evaluations of aquatic resources and their ecosystems, planning for the sustainable use and protection of these resources, national initiatives for their conservation and development, efforts to transition fisheries, and the establishment of new marine reserves.

Coastal communities are actively collaborating with scientists and government authorities to restore marine resources in the Gulf of Tonkin. In addition to implementing fishing restrictions during spawning seasons and creating marine reserves, cities also prioritize the regular release of uncommon and important aquatic species, making it an annual practice.

The Directorate of Fisheries in Hai Phong recommends that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People's Committee of the City invest resources to yearly release millions of fish fry, as well as saltwater and freshwater aquatic species, into natural waterways, including Cat Ba.

In addition, there are initiatives aimed at restoring and rejuvenating marine habitats, as well as the fruitful study and development of pearl oyster breeding programs in Bach Long Vi area. Mr. Do Gia Khanh, Director of the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that releasing fish fries into the waters of Cat Ba serves multiple purposes. It aims to conserve and enhance genetic resources and natural aquatic resources, while also promoting the population's efforts to strengthen and safeguard aquatic resources, protect biodiversity in the city's natural waters, and contribute to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Phung Duc Tien, visited the research and conservation area for rare aquatic species breeding at RIA I in Cat Ba, as well as other suggested areas by the local authorities. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien comprehended the challenges and barriers and directed the appropriate departments to collaborate with local authorities in order to address them.