October 13, 2006

Vietnam moves towards sustainable aquaculture

The Ministry of Fisheries in Vietnam is outlining plans to further develop the country's coastal areas for a sustainable aquaculture industry.

In a conference organised in north-eastern city of Ha Long last Oct 9 to 10, the ministry reported a notable improvement of Vietnam's aquaculture, particularly in 6 coastal provinces. Raising caged fish, lobsters, seaweed and various shellfishes have created numerous jobs for people living near the coasts, the ministry said.

However, the sector has encountered many difficulties, including inadequate investment, high risks, obsolete aquaculture technology, lack of fry and dependence on weather conditions. The fish output raised at sea has so far reached just 3,508 tonnes or just two percent of the target set for 2010.

To achieve its target, the Ministry of Fisheries has drawn up schemes to mark off aquatic product raising areas and the research in technology to produce high-quality fry, feed and veterinary medicine.