Turning the sea’s vast potential into a new growth engine requires not only synchronised infrastructure but also a genuine “revolution” in the production mindset of coastal communities. Transforming fishermen’s livelihoods from natural exploitation to aquaculture and eco-services is increasingly seen as the key to unlocking sustainable development.

Capture fisheries have long been a traditional occupation and the primary livelihood of coastal communities in Dak Lak province. However, the high intensity of fishing activities and the large number of fishing vessels are posing challenges to fleet management, while exerting increasing pressure on the natural regeneration capacity of aquatic resources.

Overexploitation of nearshore fisheries is posing risks to natural aquatic resources.

Labour in capture fisheries is characterised by unstable incomes, physically demanding work and harsh working conditions. The total workforce engaged on fishing vessels operating in nearshore waters and offshore areas stands at around 2,914 people. With generally limited educational attainment and production methods that remain largely traditional, labour productivity has yet to reach a high level. Notably, the fisheries workforce is showing clear signs of ageing.

Policy support as a key lever

To realise the goal of restructuring the marine economy, the provincial People’s Committee has approved the project “Occupational transition in fisheries exploitation across Dak Lak province”, with total estimated funding of more than 727.5 billion VND. This is regarded as the strongest policy impetus to date, featuring concrete and livelihood-oriented support packages closely aligned with the needs of fishers.

Under the project, high-risk fishing practices will be shifted towards environmentally friendly occupations better suited to local conditions. Occupational transition is linked with vocational training to ensure stable jobs and sustainable incomes after the shift. A range of concrete support measures has been proposed, focusing on skills training, initial investment assistance, social security and preferential credit.

Fishermen engaged in aquaculture in Xuan Canh commune.

Notably, the project also deploys a comprehensive set of foundational solutions to create sustainable livelihoods. Vocational training will not be conducted on a mass basis. Instead, it is based on assessments of the actual needs of enterprises and the labour market, and courses are organised only after employment prospects and income potential are clearly identified.

For those transitioning to aquaculture, support measures are practical and targeted, including guidance on the legal leasing of water surfaces and tidal flats, direct assistance with seed stock and feed, and the transfer of new farming techniques.

Capital access and production organisation are also prioritised through the integration of funding from national target programmes and by encouraging fishermen to form cooperative groups and cooperatives. This enables them to meet legal requirements for accessing large-scale concessional loans, moving towards the development of sustainable “four-party” value chains.

These solutions are proving to be key to easing bottlenecks in coastal communes. In Tuy An Dong commune, where most residents depend on agriculture linked with aquaculture and fisheries, local authorities are encouraging offshore aquaculture and the application of modern technologies such as HDPE cages and environmental monitoring sensors to reduce pollution and enhance climate resilience. At the same time, building linkages between farmers and enterprises, and combining aquaculture with eco-tourism, is being identified as a breakthrough approach to increasing value added.

Translated by KHUONG THAO