Understanding and mastering the seas is key to unlocking their immense value - whether through natural resource exploitation or safeguarding national sovereignty.

This mission has been pursued for centuries at the Institute of Oceanography, a pioneer in oceanographic research and marine resource-environmental studies in the East Sea.

With over 3,260 km of coastline (excluding islands), Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 10 countries with the longest coastlines. Facing east, south, and west, Vietnam is naturally oriented toward the sea.

In the 21st century - termed the "Century of the Ocean" - Vietnam aims to become a strong and sustainable maritime nation by 2045, as outlined in Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW.

A key breakthrough lies in advancing marine science and technology, developing high-quality human resources, and fostering innovation.

The people behind the science

The ocean may be vast, but marine research often begins with minute details - such as analyzing life in a single drop of seawater.

That’s why my first meeting at the Institute was with Professor Dr. Doan Nhu Hai, Chairman of the Scientific Council and expert in plankton - microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine ecosystem.

With a gentle, deliberate tone, he explained why plankton are the essence of the ocean.

Covering over 70% of Earth’s surface - and even more if depth is considered - the sea far surpasses human living space.

Assessing any marine area requires understanding how plankton operate and interact with their environment. This helps determine whether conditions are favorable for resource utilization like aquaculture or fishing.

One of Prof. Hai’s specialties is harmful algae - a crucial subfield of phytoplankton research. Though nearly invisible and immobile, algae are everywhere. Harmful blooms (or “red tides”) can deplete oxygen and accumulate toxins, threatening marine life and human health via the food chain.

In 1991, the EU imposed strict regulations on bivalve mollusk imports from Vietnam, requiring toxic algae monitoring. Exports halted. By 1997, the Institute, with Professors Nguyen Ngoc Lam and Doan Nhu Hai, supported the Ministry of Fisheries' Food Safety Center in training staff and establishing a monitoring lab.

In October 1999, EU inspectors confirmed Vietnam’s capability to monitor harmful algae. By November, exports resumed. "We might remain unseen, but we are proud to know our work made a difference,” said Prof. Hai.

Conservation as a foundation for development

Vietnam’s marine economic strategy is inseparable from green growth and biodiversity preservation. Associate Professor Dr. Dao Viet Ha, Director of the Institute, emphasized initiatives to protect coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, as well as spawning grounds and nursery habitats - areas crucial for sustaining fish populations and biodiversity.

The Institute has built a scientific basis for sustainable marine resource management and expanded its aquaculture research to include new export-oriented species.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Long, Head of Marine Animals Department and coral reef conservation expert, has served the Institute for over 32 years.

Now a national coordinator in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and a member of the International Coral Reef Initiative, he has helped design management plans for half of Vietnam’s 16 marine protected areas. He trains staff in the latest technologies, including AI applications for coral monitoring.

A decade ago, he became the first in Vietnam to advocate evaluating and protecting spawning grounds in marine reserve planning - an essential step for replenishing marine resources.

“We must preserve core values, even if some compromises are needed to balance conservation and development. This means combining scientific research with local knowledge to inform effective policy,” he said.

Challenges in human resources and training

Despite major responsibilities, the Institute struggles with a lack of young talent. Vietnam lacks a dedicated training facility for marine science, and current education only touches on relevant subjects.

True oceanography requires knowledge of marine physics, geology, chemistry, and biology.

Researchers like Professors Ha, Hai, and Long all began as biology majors before pursuing advanced training abroad.

Recruiting new staff means further education and long-term mentorship, yet the physically demanding nature of fieldwork and limited compensation make the profession less attractive to youth.

“Only passion can drive us forward,” said Prof. Hai. “Science demands more from us because we are still catching up to the world. Without love for the ocean, we wouldn’t keep going.”

Without robust marine research, Vietnam cannot fulfill its vision of becoming a maritime power. Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on promoting science, technology, and digital transformation is expected to unlock constraints in scientific workforce development.

Dr. Long added: “We understand budget limitations, but the real issue is whether investment is well-directed and sustained. Even failed studies can yield valuable insights if properly supported.”

Dr. Ha affirmed the Institute’s short-term focus is to strengthen its current team and attract young scientists, leveraging national programs for recruiting talent into the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

This foundation will support future research in deep-sea and offshore zones, resource forecasting, fishery shifts, shoreline changes, and climate impacts - areas vital to socio-economic development and environmental resilience.

With over a century of scientific legacy, the Institute of Oceanography continues to quietly illuminate the oceanic frontier.

Though the path ahead is challenging, these dedicated scientists are passionately building Vietnam’s foundation for marine science and a sustainable maritime future.

Nhan Dan