The Fishery Improvement Program for the Vietnamese handline and longline tuna fishery was launched in April 2014. Fishing & Living has been a member and supporter of the FIP since its inception through:
- Full-time staff, dedicated to sustainability and FIP implementation
- Participation in the FIP Industry Advisory Group
- Fishermen trainings and workshops on bycatch mitigation and logbooks
- Traceability improvements in cooperation with the FIP coordination unit (WWF and Vinatuna)
- Contribution to core FIP funding
It encompasses 3 provinces: Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen, located in the central part of the country and where the majority of the tuna is landed. The FIP is focused on the Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), the main target species of the fishery.
- An MSC pre-assessment was completed in December 2013
- A FIP Action Plan was prepared and formally endorsed in January 2014
- The FIP is now in its implementation phase
- The FIP is tracked and audited annually. Quarterly review are prepared by the FIP coordination unit in collaboration with industry stakeholders
A full profile of the FIP is available at fisheryprogress.org.
FIP participants
- WWF Vietnam
- The Vietnam Tuna Association (VinaTuna)
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
- Department of Capture Fisheries and Resources Protection
- Research Institute of Marine Fisheries (RIMF)
- Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters (VASEP)
- International Buyers (FIP Industry Partners)
- Local processors
- Fishermen
FIP activities
- Participation in the Western and Central Pacific regional fisheries management organization (WCPFC)
- Development of a harvest strategy in line with WCPFC requirements
- Conducting a Risk Assessment for non-target species
- Development of a National Plan of Action for sharks
- Strengthening the enforcement of the National Plan of Action for Turtles
- Integrating the precautionary principle in the National Tuna Management Plan
Fishing & Living activities to date include:
- Recruiting a full-time staff, dedicated to sustainability and FIP implementation
- Participation in the FIP Industry Advisory Group
- Fishermen trainings and workshops on bycatch mitigation and logbooks
- Traceability improvements in cooperation with the FIP coordination unit (WWF and Vinatuna)
- Distribution of circle hooks
- Support to National Observer trainings
- Distribution of posters and handbooks to educate and raise awareness on bycatch, protected species and sustainable fishing.
- Contribution to core FIP funding
Latest MSC scores and progress
Latest scores and progress can be found on the FIP’s profile on the fisheryprogress.org platform by clicking here.
WWF Vietnam
WWF also provides updates on their website, available here.
Documents