Scientific Workshop on the Implementation of the State-Level Project “Research and Assessment of Pollution Status at Fishing Ports and Landing Sites in the Central Coastal Region and Proposal of Pollution Mitigation Solutions for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development” (Code: KC.09.09/21-30).

According to global statistics, Vietnam ranks seventh among the world’s top ten fishery-producing nations, following China, Indonesia, Peru, India, the Russian Federation, and the United States. The seven leading countries together account for nearly 49% of global fishery production. However, the rapid growth of the fishing industry has also led to significant marine environmental pollution, particularly from fishing fleets and landing ports. Most fishing ports in Vietnam, including major landing sites, lack dedicated infrastructure for ship waste management, such as temporary storage areas or waste segregation facilities. Waste collection from vessels is mainly carried out by third-party waste management units with limited supervision from competent authorities. In addition, port infrastructure is seriously degraded, with outdated piers, no waste-receiving systems, limited fishery logistics services, and the absence of wastewater treatment facilities. Many ports suffer from siltation and poor maintenance, while there is also a shortage of environmental management personnel and an incomplete legal and policy framework for environmental protection in fishing ports.

In response to this situation, the Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment has been assigned by the Ministry of Science and Technology to lead a State-level research project titled “Research and Assessment of Pollution Status at Fishing Ports and Landing Sites in the Central Coastal Region and Proposal of Pollution Mitigation Solutions for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development” (Code: KC.09.09/21–30). To ensure effective implementation, on May 30, 2025, the Institute organized a consultative workshop at its Hai Phong facility to seek feedback from institute leaders, scientists, and representatives of relevant departments and agencies.

At the workshop, Dr. Cao Thi Thu Trang, the project leader, presented an overview of the study, which is scheduled for completion within 36 months. The project aims to assess the causes and extent of environmental pollution (including air, water, and sediment) at fishing ports and landing sites in the Central Region, quantify pollutant emissions and their impacts on ecosystems and nearby communities, and propose practical solutions to mitigate pollution and enhance environmental management capacity for sustainable development. The participants agreed that the project’s approach, objectives, and methods are appropriate, the research content is comprehensive and scientifically sound, and the expected results will provide valuable evidence for developing effective pollution control measures and strengthening environmental management frameworks in the fisheries sector.

Experts at the workshop also contributed several constructive suggestions, recommending that the research team focus on the concept of “eco-ports” or “green fishing ports,” select a specific pilot model for application, and design sampling plans that reflect the characteristics of both the northern and southern fishing seasons. They also suggested revising certain technical terms to align with the Law on Fisheries and its guiding documents, ensuring that evaluation criteria are clear, practical, and suitable for future assessment, and maintaining regular consultation with regulatory agencies throughout the project’s implementation to receive timely guidance.

On behalf of the project team, Dr. Cao Thi Thu Trang expressed gratitude for the valuable comments and feedback from managers and scientists. Based on these inputs, the research team will refine the project’s methodology and direction. During implementation, the project expects to maintain close cooperation with local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure timely progress and successful completion in accordance with the approved plan.

Source:  Phan Thị Thùy Vân, Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment

Highlighted Photos from the Workshop:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Quan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment (ISTEE), expressed his gratitude to the scientists and representatives of departments and agencies in Hai Phong for attending the workshop.

Dr. Cao Thi Thu Trang, Principal Investigator of the project, presented the project’s content.

Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hai from the Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning presented a report on the current status of fishing ports and landing sites in the Central Region.

Dr. Tran Quang Thu from the Institute of Marine Research provided comments on one of the project’s contents.

Dr. Vu Duy Vinh, Deputy Head of the Department of Marine Environmental Dynamics and Remote Sensing, contributed several comments on the project’s contents.