Fishing boats are anchored at the Rach Bun sluice gate, Dong Thap province. (Photo: baocantho.com.vn)

The plan aims to replace fishing activities that place heavy pressure on fish stocks and the environment with more sustainable livelihoods, and redirect part of the fleet to alternative sectors in order to balance fishing capacity with available resources.

The move is expected to help ensure stable employment and income for fishermen, while contributing to efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Last December, the provincial People’s Council issued a resolution supporting fisheries restructuring and sustainable livelihoods. The resolution provides assistance to organisations and individuals who own legally registered fishing vessels of six meters or longer that operate in high-impact fishing categories and voluntarily cease operations in accordance with regulations.

Total funding for the program is estimated to be 1.2 million USD. The program will run until the end of 2030.