Impacts and adaptation activities in response to climate change by fishery households in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam

Purpose
This study aims to examine the climate change impacts on Phu Thuan’s fishery livelihoods, identifying adaptation strategies and policies for resilience. It addresses impacts, demographic factors and sustainable fishery management, aligning with SDGs 1, 13 and 14 for coastal communities.

Design/methodology/approach
This mixed-method study surveys (n = 119) focus groups and meteorological data (1956–2022) to assess climate change impacts in Phu Thuan, Vietnam. Logistic regression and Kruskal–Wallis tests analyze adaptation, complemented by qualitative insights.

Findings
Climate change causes 23.5% severe gear damage and 21% resource depletion in Phu Thuan. Households adapt via 58% fishing reinvestment and 47% seasonal labor; 21% use unsustainable nets. Younger age increases diversification (OR = 1.50, p < 0.01) mirroring global constraints.

Research limitations/implications
Sample size (n = 119) and focus on Phu Thuan limit generalizability. Older fishers may underreport impacts. Recent data (2015–2022) may miss historical baselines. Larger and longitudinal studies with marine assessments can enhance findings for scalable climate adaptation strategies.

Practical implications
Vocational training, fishing ground regulation and gear subsidies mitigate 23.5% gear damage. Community co-management reduces unsustainable practices. Aligned with Vietnam’s National Adaptation Plan, these policies enhance economic stability and sustainability for climate-vulnerable coastal communities.

Social implications
Training empowers younger fishers, reducing poverty (SDG 1). Equitable fishing access fosters community cohesion. Adaptation workshops promote sustainable practices, enhancing resilience and social equity in Phu Thuan, supporting inclusive development.

Originality/value
Integrating mixed-method data, this study quantifies Phu Thuan’s climate impacts (23.5% gear damage) and adaptations (OR = 1.50, p < 0.01). Global comparisons and SDG-aligned policies offer a novel framework for sustainable fishery management in vulnerable coastal communities.