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. Vietnamese fisheries production increased steadily YoY. Aquaculture output tent to sharply rise while capture ouput tend to slow down. In 2023, aquaculture occupied 59%, fishing output occupied 41%. From 2018-2023, ratio of fishing output has decreased from 46% to 41% of total fishery production in Vietnam. In 2023, total aquaculture area was 5.408 million tons, up 3.5%; total fishing output was 3.861 million tons, equal to 2022.

Focus on aquaculture with high economic value

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In order to achieve the goals set out in the field of fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will guide localities to focus on developing key aquaculture with high economic value in the direction of increasing commercial value and sustainable development.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), from the beginning of the year, the weather was relatively favorable for aquaculture and fishing activities, but the price of input materials for production and gasoline prices increased sharply, which had a major impact on fishing activities. However, aquaculture production increased quite high, so the production value of aquatic products in 9 months was estimated to increase by 4.43% compared to the same period last year.

Specifically, seafood production in September was estimated at 805.9 thousand tons, up 4.3% compared to September 2021. Accumulating 9 months, the total fishery output is estimated at 6,602.8 thousand tons, up 2.6% over the same period.

In the fishing sector, in September, the output reached 366.7 thousand tons, down 0.8%. In 9 months, the output reached 2,991.6 thousand tons, down 2.4% over the same period.

Chú thích ảnh

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will guide localities to focus on developing key aquaculture with high economic value

Regarding farming, in September, the output was estimated at 439.2 thousand tons, up 8.9% compared to September 2021. In 9 months, the output was estimated at 3,611.2 thousand tons, up 7.2% over the same period. In which, pangasius production was estimated at 1,139.5 thousand tons, up 10.9%; shrimp reached 777.6 thousand tons, up 10.4%.

The rising oil price has affected fishing activities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has guided and directed localities to strengthen control of fishing vessels at ports; recommending fishermen with low production efficiency fishing boats to switch fishing occupations; or take advantage of the repair and maintenance of ships and fishing nets, contributing to reducing the fishing force in the short term, while the aquatic resources have time to recover.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will also control the quality of aquatic breeds and input materials in aquaculture; directing localities to do well the registration of key farming subjects; registration of cage aquaculture.

At the same time, the Ministry also monitors weather developments, forecasting fishing grounds, and the fishing situation of fishermen in sea areas to promptly support fishermen to safely and effectively produce. Monitor, guide, handle problems regarding certification of caught seafood and manage fishing vessels at the port to ensure that seafood export activities are not affected and implement anti-fishing IUU fishing to remove the EC's yellow card.

Complied by Thuy Linh


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