(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau is implementing an advanced intensive farming model for whiteleg shrimp using the RAS-IMTA technology (recirculating aquaculture system combined with integrated multi-trophic aquaculture).
This model is zero-waste discharge, reducing CO₂ emissions to below 5 kg CO₂/kg of shrimp, meeting the requirements of premium markets such as the EU and the US. It also supports traceability and clean product certifications (ASC, BAP).
In practice, the model has proven highly effective. While conventional farming takes 76 days to produce shrimp at 60 shrimp/kg, it takes only 55 days. This shortens each crop cycle by 20 days, reduces costs and enables farmers to add an additional crop per year. The survival rate reaches 85 - 90% with a productivity of 40 - 50 tons/ha/crop and a stocking density of 250 - 300 shrimp/m². Treated wastewater meets the QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT standards.
According to the Ca Mau Department of Science and Technology, the goal is to scale this model to 100 hectares by 2025 and subsequently expand to 1,000 hectares. This is seen considered a breakthrough solution to reduce environmental pollution, enhance competitiveness and align with trends toward green, clean and transparent production.
Enterprises play a critical role in this value chain. De Heus Vietnam provides comprehensive support from supplying feed and water treatment technology to monitoring emissions and facilitating export market connections. The project also involves the Research Institute for Aquaculture II and SAEN Company, under the leadership of the Ca Mau Department of Science and Technology.
The recirculating shrimp farming model opens a new path for Ca Mau’s fisheries - boosting production efficiency, protecting the environment and contributing to the province’s strategy for high-tech, sustainable agriculture.