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.

Workshop spotlights sustainable seaweed cultivation

Managers, experts and producers of the seaweed business gathered to discuss growth outlook for the sector at a workshop held by the Directorate of Fisheries in Nha Trang city, the south central province of Khanh Hoa, on March 9.

According to the aquaculture division, Vietnam is home to over 800 seaweed species, with total natural reserves estimated at between 80 and 100 billion tonnes. However, the reserves are declining due to over exploitation and environmental pollution.

A representative from the Research Institute for Marine Fisheries said that seaweed harvest must follow right seasons and techniques to improve yield and protect the sources.

He proposed building seaweed reserves to protect genetic sources.

As heard at the function, seaweed cultivation in the country span over 10,000 hectares, mostly in northern and central coastal areas, and produce more than 101,000 tonnes of fresh seaweed per year.

Participants agreed that there is a need to expand the farming area spanning the coastal line across Vietnam, apply advanced technology in seaweed production, and diversify away from current products.

Le Nhut, head of the Dai Duong JSC – a company majors on seaweed planting, processing and exporting, said the business brings in high profit at low risk, but requires strong investment.

He noted that the State should devise policies to support farmers in accessing preferential loans and encourage small-scale producers to work together, forming supply chains.

Source: VNA  


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