Extreme Weather Events and Coastal Fisheries: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies in Vietnam

Many studies have shown the impact of Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) on the coastal fishery sector, vulnerability and adaptation measures from the government and coastal households. Food security and fishery-based livelihoods of more than 500 million people currently raise concerns for governments and coastal fishers. The impact of EWEs on the coastal fisheries is considerable, and it may be multidimensional impacts, direct and indirect, and positive and negative; however, losses and damages have been ignored. The coastal fisheries in Vietnam showed to be one of the most vulnerable sectors to EWEs about fishing, fresh and brackish aquaculture. Although the government and coastal fishers have adopted adaptation strategies, it seems not enough with the unpredictable weather change. Also, weak adaptation capacity and shortage of necessary capital resources (human, technology, finance) are becoming significant barriers, threatening the fisheries sector's sustainable development. Drawing upon the available literature, linked with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Warsaw International Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Sustainable Livelihood Framework, this study assesses the impacts, vulnerability and current adaptation strategies and provides potential adaptations in Vietnam.