(vasep.com.vn) According to Mr. Le Van Su, Director of Ca Mau provincial DARD, in 2014, total seafood production in the province will increase by 10.3% comparing to 2013, at the level of 490,000 MT, the highest quantity ever reported.
In particular, aquaculture production reached 150,000 MT, up 12% year on year. Marine fish production reached 140,000 MT, up 5% year on year.
The upturn in production led to a boost in processing. Nearly 180,000 MT of seafood products for export were processed in Ca Mau. Seafood export value is expected to reach US$ 1.3 billion in 2014 to, up $ 200 million from the previous year.
Seafood industry is considered as a key sector of the economy. Favorable weather conditions and diseases prevention on shrimp played an important role in this development. Defected areas decreased by 40% from the previous year. Many farming areas such as Dam Doi, Tan Phu had bumping seasons all year round. Favorable weather conditions supported local 1,000 vessels to regularly go on offshore fishing trips.
To accelerate seafood production in 2015, more efficient farming methods, including extensive farming would be applied,said Mr. Pham Thanh Tuoi, Chairman of Ca Mau People's Committee. Fishermen would benefit from policy on modernizing vessels by the government.