Vietnam’s coastal sectors has been undergoing great changes due to fishing, agriculture, tourism and marine transportation. The rapid and unregulated growth in these industries and the population places enormous stress on the coastal resources.

In 2009, a total number of 16 LMMAs have been formally approved by Vietnam Prime Minister, and set to be achieved by 2015. There are six LMMAs being developed currently and are not being managed directly by the government. For instance, the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee manages the Nha Trang LMMA while the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development manages the Cu Lao Cham LMMA and Phu Quoc LMMA and the Sub-department of Capture Fisheries and Resources Protection) manages the Con Co LMMA.

There are 3 LMMAs being managed and developed at the local level currently by the MMF:

1. Trao Reef LMMA, Van Hung commune, Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa province

2. Nhoh Hai LMMA, Nhon Hai Commune, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province

3. Bai Huong LMMA, Cu Lao Cham islands, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

The duration for improving these LMMAs is targeted to be from 1st Apr 2013 to 31st Mar 2015.

The aim for these areas is to improve the responses of the local community in maintaining the sustainability of their environment and as a result, helping to ensure the stability of their livelihood.