COOPERATION IN PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES

The Southern Research Institute for Marine Fisheries in Vung Tau (SORERIMF) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance future activities under the Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) and MSC programs in Vietnam.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Patrick Caleo – Regional Director, Asia Pacific, MSC; Mr. Anthony Alvin – Fisheries Manager, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, MSC; Mr. Pham Quoc Huy – Director of SORERIMF, scientists from the Institute; representatives of the Vietnam Tuna Association (Vinatuna); the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS); and stakeholders.

Both parties committed to collaborate in implementing the agreed activities, with the shared goal of promoting sustainable fisheries and conserving marine ecosystems in Vietnam. The key fields of collaboration include:

1. Support for MSC Certification
   
   SORERIMF and MSC will collaborate in assessment of Vietnam’s fisheries under MSC standards, jointly develop fishery improvement programs, and exchange technical expertise to strengthen sustainable fisheries practices.

2. Research
   
   Both parties will jointly implement research projects on shared priorities, including the status of marine resources, the impacts of fishing gears on habitats and stocks, and the effectiveness of fisheries management measures in Vietnam.

3. Training and Capacity Building
   
   Cooperation in developing training programs and workshops, with the aim of increasing the number of MSC-trained experts in Vietnam.

This MoU provides a positive basement that will facilitate upcoming improvement activities for the MSC Skipjack Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna Improvement Projects in Vietnam under the 2025–2030 roadmap.