Vietnam the fisheries law project, phase II – a pilot model performance review

The Project

This phase II of the fisheries law project - "Bringing the law to life"; is focussed on improving the legal framework further, through developing sub-laws, raise public awareness and capacity building. One important tool in the project (output 4 of phase II) is implementing practical pilot models. Pilot models are used for obtaining practical experience of which to base the development of legislation and sub-legislation.
Phase II would implement pilot models in the following 5 areas of fisheries. 1) Allocation and lease of marine areas for aquaculture, Ninh Binh 2) Fishing vessel registration and inspection, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa and Danang. 3) Fishing port management, Danang, Binh Thuan and Kien Giang, 4) Community-based management in Tiger shrimp farming in Tra Vinh. 5) Application of Fisheries Law in shrimp seed production in Binh Thuan. The total budget for Phase 2 (2005-2009) is NOK 22, 7 mill. See also review no. 19 which is an internal midterm review for the whole of phase II.

Interesting Findings

The objective of the study was to review; the methodology, approach and purpose of the pilot models, the implementation of the pilots and the relevance of conducting pilots for the purpose of developing fisheries legislation. In conclusion the review mission finds that:
• The pilot models have now been prepared, planning documents completed and all started during May-June 2007. Good progress has been made in putting in place management structures according to the plans prepared and overall project document. Smaller delays were encountered in the pilot models in getting the planned activities under way, but no major obstacles were identified for the implementation along the lines of the 5 pilot model project descriptions.
• The pilot models approach is relevant for the development of legislation, and good progress has been achieved in getting the pilot models under way. Except for the pilot model on fishing vessel registration and inspection they can all be considered well on track. The pilot models are all different by nature and the completion date cannot be established at this point in time, but it may well vary from model to model.
• The pilot model approach is an innovative way to facilitate stakeholder involvement, test, improve and develop fisheries legislation that is considered highly relevant.
• Some adjustments will be needed to increase the effectiveness of the pilot models and to enable the project management and the pilot model coordinator to effectively monitoring the implementation of the pilot models. In the case of the pilot model "Fishing vessel registration and inspection" this will include a revision and adjustment of the log-frame.
• The Fisheries Law and pilot activities have a common theme related to the empowerment of fisher and aquaculture groups to take more responsibility for management and self-regulation. Assistance should be provided to train project staff and raise awareness in methods for organising and building capacity of such groups within each pilot model. Fishers, processing and farmer groups should be identified and more actively engaged in pilot model activities, such as providing feedback on legal documents or dissemination of legislation.
• The start of implementation of pilot model activities has been delayed and it may be necessary to extend the time to ensure effective implementation.