Currently, the marine ecological systems are facing a rapid recession and the acreage of saline submerged forests has fallen sharply over the last 30 years. The quality of the sea water is getting poorer, resulting in high levels of pollution.

To find out how to tap into the sea’s potential and advantages effectively, a Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter interviewed Dr Nguyen Chu Hoi, Deputy Head of Vietnam’s General Sea and Islands Department on the issue.

Reporter: Planning and sustainable resources are the answer to making the most of Vietnam’s marine resources. What is your opinion on this issue?

Mr Hoi: We are not currently exploiting natural resources in a sustainable and effective manner due to poor scientific and technological research studies. Despite having a long coast line and a substantial fishing industry, Vietnam has failed to develop into a marine-based country. Therefore, we should work out specific plans to develop our maritime-based economy in the near future by exploiting natural resources available such as oil, gas and seafood.

However, we are not fully aware of the tangible values of the ecological systems and the sea’s full potential as well as geographical advantages which could bring about a higher economic efficiency than other natural resources.

Reporter: Vietnam’s sea areas are facing increasing pollution from the mainland which leads to a regular occurrence of environmental problems at sea and heavy pollution. In your opinion, what should we do to deal with the problem?

Mr Hoi: Pollution levels in Vietnam’s waters are getting worse. The situation is due to growing socio-economic activities along coastal areas, on islands or at sea. Industries such as oil and gas, shipping, tourism, fisheries, other maritime services, and issues related to security and sovereignty also cause pollution. For example, when a foreign ship carrying 18 barrels of cianua and anesthetic was seized, only one barrel was found as the others had been thrown over board into the sea around Vietnam and neighbouring countries.

Currently, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is developing a strategy and a legal system to deal with waste. Vietnam needs to come up with a maritime resources more effectively as well as the legal tools to control its own waters.

Reporter: What should Vietnam do to promote its marine based economy?

Mr Hoi: First Vietnam should have a proper strategy. We should begin with the coastal economy by restructuring it to ensure a balance between the economy, security and defence, between the economy and maritime resources, and between the economy, the environment and other social issues.

Currently, Vietnam General Sea and Islands Department is drawing up plans for using its maritime areas or in other words use the islands as a foundation for promoting other marine based economies.

Second, a maritime nation must build trademarks for its sea-borne businesses and products.

When we have trademarks and a proper plan put in place we must ensure the enforcement of laws to turn our marine resources into material benefits.

Reporter: Thank you very much.