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Fisheries have long played an important role in human life, not only providing food but also creating jobs for millions of workers around the world. Over centuries, the fishing industry has evolved from simple manual methods to modern technologies integrating artificial intelligence and digital systems. In this article, we will explore the most popular fishing methods, analyze their pros and cons, and update the latest sustainable trends and legal regulations in 2025.
Fisheries involve harvesting, aquaculture, and processing aquatic products, with fishing activities being the most crucial. They supply seafood such as fish, shrimp, squid, and crabs for both domestic consumption and export.
Source: Internet
Essential food source: Over 3 billion people worldwide rely on seafood as their primary source of protein.
Job creation: About 60 million workers are directly involved in the fisheries sector.
GDP contribution: Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 5 seafood exporters, reaching USD 2.45 billion in Q1 2025
Declining resources due to overfishing.
Climate change affecting marine habitats.
Strict regulations from major markets (EU, US, Japan).
Source: Internet
This is the simplest method, using a fishing rod or line.
Pros:
Low cost, easy to use.
High selectivity, minimal environmental damage.
Cons:
Low yield.
Unsuitable for large-scale fishing.
Traditional method: Fishing rod - Source: Internet
Fishermen use nets to encircle fish, commonly seen along Vietnam’s coasts.
Pros:
Catch multiple fish species.
Easy to make and deploy.
Cons:
High risk of catching juvenile fish.
May harm resources if mesh size regulations are not followed.
Fixed traps placed underwater to catch bottom-dwelling fish, shrimp, and crabs.
Pros:
Good selectivity.
Environmentally friendly.
Cons:
Low efficiency.
Labor-intensive to check and harvest.
Fishermen use lights at night to attract fish and then encircle them with nets.
Pros:
Highly effective.
Can attract large schools of fish.
Cons:
High fuel consumption.
May disrupt fish behavior.
Light-based fishing method - Source: Internet
2.5 Summary
Traditional methods are cost-effective and environmentally friendly if managed properly. However, they cannot meet the high production demand of export markets.
One of the most common methods in industrial fishing, where a large net is towed behind a boat. Two main types:
Bottom trawl: dragged along the seabed to catch demersal species like flatfish and cod.
Pelagic trawl: operates midwater, targeting pelagic species like herring and tuna.
Pros:
High yield in a short time.
Suitable for large-scale industrial fishing.
Cons:
Destroys seabed habitats.
High bycatch rates.
A long net encircles entire schools of fish, then the bottom is pulled tight like a drawstring bag. Often used for tuna and sardines.
Pros:
Very high yield.
Low cost per kilogram of fish.
Cons:
May catch juvenile fish and non-target species.
Higher risk when using Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).
A main line stretching tens of kilometers with thousands of baited hooks, like a “fence” across the ocean. Commonly used for tuna and swordfish.
Pros:
Catches high-value fish.
Suitable for offshore fishing.
Cons:
Dangerous for sea turtles, sharks, and seabirds.
Unlike traditional traps, modern versions are made of durable materials with escape openings for juvenile or non-target species.
Pros:
High selectivity.
Minimal environmental impact.
Cons:
Lower yield compared to trawls or purse seines.
Modern fishing method - Source: Internet
Modern technologies help fishermen locate schools of fish more quickly and accurately. GPS positions the vessel, sonar detects fish underwater, and cameras provide direct observation.
Pros:
Saves time.
Reduces fuel and effort.
Cons:
High equipment investment costs.
Application of GPS, sonar, and cameras in fishing - Source: Internet
Nets equipped with sensors and cameras use AI to identify species in real time. They can open escape hatches for juveniles or non-target animals, acting as a “smart filter”
The SOUND project developed transparent cylindrical robots powered by solar energy. They use sonar to count fish numbers and sizes, like an underwater “census machine”
Blockchain records fishing data (which vessel, where, what species, how many) in immutable ledgers. Consumers can scan codes to know the origin of their fish. Smart contracts automatically alert when quotas are exceeded
Ropeless fishing offers an alternative that could recover right whales and preserve the livelihood of New England’s iconic lobstermen and women. - Souce: NOAA
Unlike traditional traps with buoy lines (which entangle whales), ropeless gear uses acoustic signals to mark trap locations. When needed, fishermen send a signal to release the trap to the surface
New technologies aim at two goals: (1) increasing efficiency and lowering costs, and (2) protecting marine ecosystems. AI, robots, and blockchain balance economic needs with ecological responsibility.
Using larger mesh sizes, specially designed hooks, and escape hatches helps protect juveniles and non-target animals while maintaining commercial yields.
Some provinces in Vietnam ban nearshore fishing from April to June to protect spawning seasons. Marine protected areas like Cu Lao Cham and Phu Quoc serve as natural “breeding banks” for stock recovery.
MSC and ASC certifications are crucial “passports” for Vietnamese seafood to enter demanding markets such as the EU, US, and Japan. Companies must demonstrate transparent fishing or aquaculture practices and strict environmental compliance.
Fishing villages form self-managed groups to ban illegal gear and share fishing information. Green technology is expanding: LED lights save 60% energy, biodegradable nets reduce marine plastic waste, and robots/sensors monitor water quality.
In the face of climate change, sustainable fishing methods are no longer optional but mandatory. Combining modern technology (AI, IoT) with local knowledge ensures livelihoods while protecting resources.
Source: Internet
From handlines and gillnets to AI-integrated nets and blockchain, the fishing industry is undergoing a major transformation. Beyond yields, sustainability is becoming the top priority. Vietnam and the world must blend tradition with modern technology to ensure long-term fisheries development that is eco-friendly and compliant with international standards.
Read more: 5 Fun Facts About Rope (Part 2)
Source: SIAM Brothers Vietnam
References
WTO Center Vietnam. (2025). Vietnam’s fisheries sector innovates production, seizes opportunities from new export markets.
The Tundra Drums. (2025). Top sustainable fishing technologies in 2025.
Mongabay. (2025). Fish-tracking robot aims to revolutionize fishing sustainability in developing nations.
Marinebiodiversity.ca. (2025). How blockchain technology is revolutionizing sustainable fishing practices.
AP News. (2025). California tests ropeless fishing gear to protect whales.
Bac Lieu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. (2024). Prohibited fishing gears and methods.
SeafoodSource. (2024). Vietnamese tuna export growth stalls as sector faces domestic supply shortage, regulatory pressures.
Vietnam News. (2025). Vietnamese seafood industry proactively adapts to new EU regulations.
FastBull. (2025). Vietnam’s seafood industry faces US conservation rules.
Vietfish Magazine. (2025). Vietnam targets lifting EU’s IUU yellow card by Q4 2025.
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