Quang Ngai develops sustainable fisheries, creating stable livelihoods for fishermen

Changing fishermen's livelihoods through fisheries infrastructure

Quang Ngai has long been known as one of the most potential-rich coastal provinces in Central Vietnam. The fisheries sector is closely tied to the livelihoods of tens of thousands of households. In the past, fishermen's lives were often precarious due to small vessels, silted waterways, and the lack of safe anchorage areas. Today, that picture has changed thanks to the local government's strong investment in fisheries infrastructure.

The entire province now boasts five major fishing ports and a network of anchorages stretching from Tinh Ky, Tinh Hoa, My A, and Sa Huynh to Ly Son, capable of accommodating thousands of fishing vessels daily. These facilities not only ensure vessel safety during storms but also serve as trading hubs where seafood can be sold immediately after each sea trip. In several estuaries, such as Sa Ky, Co Luy, and Binh Thanh, expanded fishing wharves have become a solid foundation for fishermen to embark on long offshore fishing journeys.

The most remarkable transformation can be seen at My A Port. Previously, siltation frequently stranded vessels, delaying fishing trips and causing losses. Now, thanks to dredging efforts, even large-capacity vessels tens of meters long can dock with ease. Fisherman Tran Van Hieu, owner of fishing vessel QNG 94916 TS, excitedly shared, "After each two-week voyage, our vessel can dock quickly, seafood is sold conveniently, and we can take time to repair our fishing tools for the next trip. Our income is more stable, and everyone feels more secure in setting sail."

These improvements not only bring economic efficiency but also enhance fishermen's livelihoods. Once confined to nearshore waters, many households have boldly taken out loans to build large-capacity vessels and sail to the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa fishing grounds. With better income, living conditions have improved, and many families can build solid homes and invest in modern means of subsistence.

"In the past, fishermen in My A only had small wooden boats and could fish close to shore. Since the fishing port and dredged waterways were completed, people have boldly built large-capacity vessels to reach Hoang Sa and Truong Sa. Now, each sea trip brings in high income, thereby making life more prosperous," said Mr. Ngo Thanh Phong in Tra Cau ward.

Developing a sustainable fisheries sector

Currently, Quang Ngai has over 4,900 fishing vessels with a total capacity exceeding 1.8 million CV, including more than 3,000 vessels ranging from 15 to under 24 meters in length. This strong fleet operates across fishing grounds nationwide, from the Gulf of Tonkin to the Southwestern sea region, extending to the DK1 platform, Hoang Sa, and Truong Sa. Each year, the province’s total catch reaches over 270,000 tons, contributing to affirming Quang Ngai’s position as one of the localities with a strong offshore fishing fleet in Central Vietnam.

Alongside seafood exploitation, aquaculture in Quang Ngai has also seen many positive movements. By 2025, the entire province’s total aquaculture area is expected to reach nearly 2,600 hectares, with an estimated output of around 18,000 tons, an increase of more than 2,000 tons compared to 2024. Shrimp, caged fish, oyster, and brackish-water seafood farming areas are proving their efficiency, opening new directions alongside the province's traditional marine fishing activities.

To create a foundation for long-term development, Quang Ngai has issued the Fisheries Development Program for 2030, with a vision for 2045. Accordingly, the province targets an average annual growth rate of 5–6% in production value, reaching about VND 9,056 billion by 2030. Annual exploitation output will be maintained at 260,000 tons, with 12,000 tons from brackish-water farming and 1,000 tons from marine aquaculture. Processing capacity is expected to increase to 30,000 tons per year; one to two linkage chains from exploitation, aquaculture, and processing to distribution are formed, aiming to reach an export value of USD 25 million per year.

At the same time, the province also encourages fishermen to invest in steel-hulled and large-capacity vessels capable of day-long offshore operations. Fisheries logistics services are also expanding rapidly, with 79 organizations and individuals currently engaged in production and business activities at fishing ports. This sector not only supports offshore fleets but also creates jobs for thousands of local laborers.

However, besides these achievements, Quang Ngai's fisheries sector is facing a major challenge: the removal of the European Commission's IUU "yellow card." This remains the prerequisite for the fisheries sector of Vietnam in general and Quang Ngai in particular to maintain its export markets.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, affirmed, "Lifting the 'yellow card' is an urgent task. We are focusing on advising and directing measures to resolve remaining issues, determined to join the nation in building a responsible and sustainable fisheries sector."

With synchronous solutions, from infrastructure investment and support policies to the determination of fishermen, Quang Ngai is gradually affirming its marine economic strengths. Each vessel setting sail carries not only hopes for a successful catch but also contributes to safeguarding the sacred sovereignty over seas and islands of the Fatherland.

* USD 1 = VND 26,077 (Source: Vietcombank)