The projects are mainly concerned with survey, research, restoration and conservation of marine creatures, as well as economic and cooperative activities related to the natural conditions and biodiversity in Vietnam's seas, said Dr. Do Van Khuong, Director of the Maritime Products Research Institute.

The projects will also deal with a supportive legal system, organisation, staff training, and technical infrastructure for marine biodiversity so that the country can meet the region's advanced standards in the field by 2020.

The fisheries sector has submitted to the Government its plan to establish and manage 6-7 out of the 15 targeted marine reserves until 2015, said Mr Khuong. By 2020, the sector will establish and effectively manage the rest and a number of other sea areas with high level of biodiversity.