Millions have found livelihood due to co-management practices that protect aquatic resources, contributing to the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries in Vietnam. 

Vietnam’s 3,260-km coastline spans 28 provinces and cities, supporting thousands of fishing villages and millions of families. About five million people work in the fisheries sector, directly or indirectly, according to the Vietnam Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning (VIFEP). In addition to its coastline, Vietnam has 2,372 rivers, 112 estuaries, 11 coastal lagoons, and nearly 3,000 large lakes. The Red River and Mekong River deltas create over two million hectares of brackish and freshwater areas. This diverse range of water bodies and abundant aquatic resources support widespread aquaculture and fisheries, providing livelihoods for millions across the country.