Delta to expand area for fisheries
The provinces in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta plan to increase the area for aquaculture by 2,200 ha to 745,000 ha this year, yielding 1.7 million tonnes of fish and 370,000 tonnes of shrimp.
The main seafood breeding species in the region will include sugpo prawn, white-leg shrimp, pangasius, scallop and crayfish. Provinces will set aside VND40 trillion (US$1.9 billion) to lend to farmers so they can upgrade their breeding ponds as well as buy breeders and feed.
Localities will also improve the training offered to farmers and help farmers connect with businesses to ensure an outlet for their seafood products.
The local authorities will also strengthen management at breeding areas.