Release fish, retrieve plastic waste

5 million fries were released into the Gulf of Tonkin on March 31 at the "Releasing fries for the regeneration of aquatic resources" ceremony at Phuong Dong Beach, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, in celebration of the 65th anniversary of the traditional day of the Fisheries sector. Among these were over 10,000 Asian sea bass and 4.9 million giant tiger prawns.

The discharge of fries to restock aquatic resources demonstrates Vietnam's determination and global responsibility to preserve and safeguard the balance of marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable economic development and assuring the welfare of its citizens.

Minister Le Minh Hoan, citing media reports regarding the remains of waste in Ha Long Bay, emphasized the importance of establishing a connection between releasing fish fry to regenerate aquatic resources and preserving rivers and seas as pure, green living environments. "The actionable message for all of us should be the release fish, and retrieve plastic waste," Minister Le Minh Hoan stated.

The fries release ceremony on March 31 is part of a series of events organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Traditional Day of Fisheries Sector and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Fisheries Surveillance Force. This meaningful activity has been synchronously implemented by localities nationwide to significantly contribute to the restoration and regeneration of aquatic resources, especially endangered, rare, and valuable species.

As per the Minister's statement, central and local management agencies will persist in their efforts to distribute information, foster awareness, and improve comprehension of regulations among organizations, individuals, and fishermen in particular, as well as the community's responsibility in safeguarding and advancing aquatic resources, in the time to come.

Furthermore, increased efforts shall be made to preserve and restore biodiverse, economically significant, indigenous, endangered, rare, and endangered aquatic species. This will aid in the restoration and progress of depleted aquatic resources, specifically in regards to issues such as overfishing, the utilization of fishing gear with mesh sizes below legal limits, and fishing practices that are detrimental to the environment and pollute the environment.

Additionally, leaders in the agricultural sector emphasize that the appropriate authorities will bolster inspection and examination efforts and firmly prosecute violations pertaining to the protection of aquatic resources.

The Minister then delivered the following resolute message: "Most importantly, all individuals, organizations, and society unite in safeguarding and advancing aquatic resources in the interest of establishing a sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing industry."

Minister Le Minh Hoan underscores the importance of pragmatic and uncomplicated measures such as "helping each starfish to return to its aquatic habitat," which was inspired by the tale of a young child who rescued small starfish.

"With the collective backing of every tier of government and the general public, I am confident that aquatic resources across the nation will be revitalized and restored. Subsequently, the oceans will be refreshed, disseminating the amazing, everlasting splendor of the nature. At that time, everyone will have an even greater appreciation and sense of duty toward our nation, our country, as well as a deeper affection and regard for the natural environment and the sea," the agricultural sector's chief of staff said during the fish fry release ceremony.

Minister Le Minh Hoan visited Co To Island earlier on March 31 in the morning to gain insights into the community-based tourism development and aquaculture initiatives taking place on this pristine island.

Prior to witnessing the fish fries release ceremony on March 31, Minister Le Minh Hoan and Cao Tuong Huy, chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, engaged in a seaside discussion regarding sustainable fisheries development.

Over the past five years, the fisheries industry in Quang Ninh Province has consistently maintained a substantial position, contributing more than 55% of the total production value within the agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors. Quang Ninh Province, by Vietnam's maritime strategy and fisheries development strategy, has implemented policies with the progressive objective of advancing the sustained growth of the domestic fishing sector and augmenting value-added.

Consequently, Quang Ninh has witnessed a surge in its seafood production, which has increased from 89,000 tons in 2013 to more than 175,000 tons in 2023. Aquaculture has expanded its overall area to more than 32,000 hectares, with concentrated aquaculture zones witnessing both scale and output growth. Additionally, the provincial authorities of Quang Ninh have implemented the administration of offshore aquaculture and the preservation of aquatic resources with efficacy. Prominent investors have developed and implemented infrastructure for concentrated aquaculture and seed production.

Quang Ninh Province and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) co-hosted "The Sustainable Development Conference for Mariculture: Insights from Quang Ninh" on April 1. Nguyen Xuan Ky, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council of Quang Ninh Province, and Minister of MARD Le Minh Hoan, presided over the conference. It is anticipated that between 400 and 450 local and international delegates will attend the conference.

The Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper disseminated live coverage of the event across multiple multimedia platforms. Additionally, participation is possible via Zoom with the following credentials:

ID for the meeting: 939 8269 4473

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