(vasep.com.vn) In the first 9 months of 2014, total production of fish in the Mekong River Delta at 2.8 million tonnes, worth VND 34,500 billion, said Southwest Steering Committee.
Fish yeilds of Kien Giang and Ca Mau provinces reached 830,000 tons, accounting for nearly 30% of the total production of the region.
Seafood sales of the region in the period valued at US$ 3.4 billion, up 19% compared to the same period in 2013. These achievements are thanks to the upgraded technology offshore fishing vessels, advanced equipments, construction of large fleets and fisheries infrastructure logistics.
Total aquaculture area of Mekong Delta reached 800,000 hectares with main farmed species such as black tiger shrimp, whiteleg shrimp, pangasius and some other freshwater fish. Breeding areas concentrated in the provinces of Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, An Giang, Dong Thap and Can Tho.
Many international standards are applied in the fishery such as SQF 1000, VietGAP, GlobalGAP, innovative technology is also strengthened in aquaculture, catching and processing to improve fish production as well as to diversify cultural items and meet the rigorous demand of international markets.
In addition, the region is encouraging farmers to expand domestic consumption through channels such as marketplaces, restaurants in the Mekong River Delta with the volume of 1,500 tons per day.