National product research for the marine economy

Research to support the improvement of policies and laws on seas and islands

Mr. Nguyen Le Tuan, Director of the Vietnam environmental and marine sciences institute, stated that the Institute was established under Decision No. 815/QĐ-TTg dated July 7, 2023, by the Prime Minister, based on the merger of the Institute of environmental science and the Institute of seas and islands. The Institute's functions include conducting scientific research and developing technology related to environmental protection, marine resource management, island conservation, biodiversity, and providing scientific and technological services to support state management.

From 2020 to 2025, the Institute has carried out 47 scientific and technological tasks. The Institute's research has contributed significantly to the formulation and improvement of policies and laws related to the marine environment, supporting the sustainable development of the maritime economy, and strengthening Vietnam's capacity to manage its marine resources in recent years.

Many studies have made significant contributions to promoting the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, such as: providing scientific foundations and environmental management tools for aquaculture; supporting the management and control of ocean plastic waste, protecting marine habitats and aquatic resources; and contributing to marine biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation to protect long-term aquatic resources. These contributions are crucial for ensuring that the growth of the fisheries sector is both environmentally responsible and economically viable in the long run.

Specifically, studies investigating and assessing the carrying capacity of the marine environment and identifying suitable areas for disposal have helped the fisheries sector clearly define environmentally safe zones for aquaculture planning. This has allowed the sector to avoid areas that are polluted or have a high risk of contamination.

Furthermore, research into pollution levels in river mouths, lagoons, and coastal regions, especially in areas from Thua Thien - Hue to Ninh Thuan, has provided essential scientific data. This information is crucial for developing targeted solutions to control pollution, particularly in key aquaculture areas along the coast.

Linking environmental and marine research with the sustainable development of fisheries

Regarding the Institute’s scientific research direction in the upcoming period, Mr. Tuan shared that the focus will be on studies that support the implementation of the Environmental Protection Law and the revised Law natural resources and environment of sea and islands; assisting the implementation of the National Marine Spatial Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050; supporting the implementation of the overall sustainable coastal resource exploitation and utilization plan for the 2021-2023 period, with a vision to 2050; researching the application of information technology and remote sensing for environmental monitoring, sustainable marine resource exploitation, and the development of a sustainable marine economy; and applying circular economy models to protect the environment on land and ensure sustainable marine resource exploitation.

In order to make breakthroughs in research to support environmental management, marine and island protection, and the sustainable development of the marine economy, including the fisheries sector, the Institute has proposed and recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment direct relevant units to consider allocating funding for the repair of the Institute’s headquarters. This would help stabilize work conditions in a fixed location and support the reception of new equipment, ensuring effective operation and utilization.

At the same time, the Institute has also recommended that the Ministry consider allocating investment funds to upgrade equipment to support research, with a focus on increasing the application of modern and high-tech solutions. Additionally, the Institute seeks financial support and opportunities for staff to receive advanced training abroad, participate in international workshops and training courses to stay updated with the latest global technologies and research methods.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien emphasized that the Vietnam environmental and marine sciences institute plays a crucial role and has a significant research scope in the development of the marine economy and the fisheries sector.

Regarding upcoming tasks, the Deputy Minister instructed the Institute to collaborate with the Institute of Fisheries Research, the Institute of Aquaculture I, and other relevant units to conduct research that produces national-level outcomes for the marine economy. At the same time, the Institute is required to begin the operation of equipment for investigating, surveying, and analyzing ocean plastic waste.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister requested the organization of a scientific seminar on aquaculture linked to the protection of the marine environment and islands, aiming to provide guidance for sustainable development.