GENERAL INFORMATION

Vietnam, with a coastline of over 3,260 kilometers (km) and more than 3,000 islands and islets scattered offshore, plus up to 2,860 rivers and estuaries, has been geographically endowed with ideal conditions for the thriving fishery sector which currently exists.

Great potential of fishery sector in Vietnam is embedded in water bodies of 1.700.000 ha in which 811.700 ha freshwater, 635.400 ha brackish waters and 125.700 ha coves and 300.000 - 400.000 ha wetland areas might be employed for aquaculture development.

The Mekong River Delta in the south and the Red River Delta in the north have been used for wild catch fishing as well as extensive fish farming.

Shrimp and pangasius mostly farmed in the Mekong River Delta, in which, shrimp farmes located in coastal provinces such as Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ca Mau, Kien Giang, Ben Tre..

Pangasius farming is developing in many provinces in Mekong River Delta such as Can Tho, Vinh Long, Tien Giang, An Giang, Dong Thap, Soc Trang, Hau Giang, Tra Vinh....

Production in the fishery sector grew at an average rate of 7.05% from 1991 to 2000, and 10% from 2001 to now. The country produces annually over 6 million MT of fish, in which its landings reached 2.7 million MT and aquaculture reached 3.3 million MT. In 2021, total fisheries production reached 8.7 million MT, including 3.9 million tons from catching and 4.85 million tons from aquaculture.

Ministry moves to tackle aquatic animal diseases

09:12 04/25/2017

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved a national plan on monitoring diseases on shrimp and tra fish for export in 2017-2020.

The plan is to improve the quality of prevention and warning of diseases affecting aquatic animals, contributing to sustainable shrimp and tra fish farming and boosting exports.

It has a total cost of over 106 billion VND (4.6 million USD), including 77 billion VND (3.4 million USD) from the State budget and the rest from localities and businesses.

The plan is carried out in all major shrimp-raising provinces such as Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and Bac Lieu.

In 2017, aquatic animal health officials at all levels will receive training on disease monitoring. Test laboratories meeting ISO 17025 standard and the World Organisation for Animal Health’s process will be used for testing.

The plan is expected to increase shrimp and tra fish exports and raise locals’ income, contributing to ensuring social welfare and food security as well as maintaining the natural environment.

(Source: VNA)