The People’s Committee of the southern coastal province of Binh Thuan has approved a new community-based management model to preserve and better exploit noble scallop resources, and protect the coastal environment and ecosystem.

According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Department, the model will be implemented in Phuoc The commune, Tuy Phong district from November this year to December 2015, with the involvement of 50 local fishermen and divers.

During the implementation of the model, which targets the exploitation of seafood resources in a sustainable way, noble scallop will be bred in certain areas, while fishermen will receive instructions on how to fish and protect seafood resources sustainably.

The model also aims to create a stable livelihood for fishermen and earn recognition from the Marine Stewardship Council certification programme - the world’s leading certification and eco-labelling programme for sustainable seafood - for noble scallops, helping expand the export market for this local product.

Binh Thuan is one of the country’s three largest fishing grounds with a 200km coastline and 52,000 square km of sea area, as well as abundant seafood resources.

However, despite the efforts of the local authorities, old fishing practices in the locality have led to declining seafood resources and environmental pollution.-VNA