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Abstract
This cross-sectional study assessed the current status of mechanization, the demand for mechanization, and factors associated with this demand in the fishing operations of Vietnam’s offshore mixed gillnet fishery. Data were collected from 85 vessels in Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, and Ho Chi Minh City from March to June 2025. Descriptive statistics and an ordered logit model were used to analyze the data. The results showed that mechanization was concentrated mainly in steering and net-hauling operations: 92.9% of the surveyed vessels were equipped with hydraulic steering systems and 100% with hydraulic net haulers, whereas only 2.4% were equipped with autopilot systems and none had a net-lifting system at the net hold. Despite the universal use of hydraulic net haulers, 65.9% of respondents rated their limitations as high or very high. The ordered logit model identified main engine power, total net length, labor shortage, access to credit, and perceived benefits of mechanization as factors positively and significantly associated with mechanization demand. Higher levels of labor shortage (OR = 3.109), better access to credit (OR = 2.656), and more positive perceptions of the benefits of mechanization (OR = 2.539) were associated with higher levels of mechanization demand. The findings suggest that improving net-hauler performance and developing integrated equipment for lifting, transferring, arranging, and handling nets merit further consideration; financial and technical support measures require additional evaluation before broader implementation.
Keywords: Mechanization, ordered logit, mixed gillnet, mechanization demand, labor shortage.