(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, the fisheries sector continued to stand out as a bright spot in Ca Mau’s economic landscape, maintaining positive growth in both output and value.
According to the Ca Mau Fisheries Department, the merger of Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces into the new Ca Mau province has created favorable conditions to leverage economic, natural and social resources. This administrative consolidation has not only enhanced management and operational efficiency but also catalyzed development in the nation's southernmost region. Consequently, the fisheries sector has maintained its growth momentum.
In 2025, total fisheries output across the province is estimated at 1,268,500 tonnes, up 5.56% year-on-year. Of this, wild-caught output is projected at 360,500 tonnes, a modest increase of 0.26%; wild-caught shrimp production is estimated at 19,000 tonnes, an increase of 5.30% year-on-year.
Aquaculture continues to play a leading role with output estimated at 908,000 tonnes, representing a 7.82% increase; specifically, farmed shrimp production reached approximately 566,000 tonnes, up 3.42% year-on-year. Total shrimp farming area in the province stands at 435,258 hectares, including improved extensive systems, integrated models (shrimp-mangrove, shrimp-rice) and intensive and super-intensive farming.
Production organization and the development of value chain linkages have achieved many positive results. The province has formed over 26 shrimp value chains covering a total area of over 36,400 hectares and involving nearly 8,000 farming households. Ca Mau shrimp products are increasingly affirming their prestige in international markets, having attained 9 reputable certifications such as ASC, BAP, Naturland, EU Organic, Canada Organic, Bio Suisse, Seafood Watch and more.
Despite these gains, the fisheries sector still faces multiple challenges due to climate change, environmental pollution and localized water shortages; raw material prices have declined while input costs remain high. Production remains fragmented and linkages are not yet fully synchronized; the province's shrimp seed supply meets about 50% of demand for black tiger shrimp.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ca Mau’s fisheries sector sets a total output target of 1,320,000 tonnes, including 602,000 tonnes of shrimp. The province will focus on restructuring the sector towards in-depth development, accelerating the application of science, technology and digital transformation; prioritizing super-intensive, high-tech shrimp farming and expanding sustainable aquaculture models. At the same time, the province will strengthen capture fisheries management, rigorously combat IUU fishing, invest in fishing port infrastructure and develop the processing industry in close linkage with raw material zones.