Breeding tiger shrimps are released into the water at Trần Đề Fishing Port in Sóc Trăng Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Phi

HÀ NỘI — Localities across Việt Nam released millions of aquatic species on the first day of April to regenerate fisheries resources, marking the 65th traditional day of Vietnam’s fisheries sector (April 1, 1959-2024).

At the Trần Đề Fishing Port in the Mekong Delta province of Sóc Trăng, the authorities set free two million breeding tiger shrimps.

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vương Quốc Nam said the province has set plans to conduct three rounds of releases this year in order to enhance fisheries resources.

At the event, the organising committee also awarded 20 scholarships worth VNĐ1 million (US$41) each to children of disadvantaged fishermen at the fishing port.

With 72km of coastline and an intricate network of rivers and streams, Sóc Trăng boasts abundant aquatic resources.

However, the local fisheries sector is facing numerous challenges, such as a sharp decline in resources due to the impact of climate change and some fishermen operating without adherence to regulations.

Meanwhile, at the Ninh Kiều Wharf in the Mekong Delta city of Cần Thơ, a ceremony saw 60,000 juvenile fish of various species released into natural environments.

With an extensive network of canals and ditches, Cần Thơ has an annual fisheries output exceeding 220,000 tonnes.

However, economic and social development activities, overexploitation, pollution, diseases, and climate change have adversely affected the ecological environment, leading to a severe decline or the extinction of many precious indigenous aquatic species.

According to Phạm Trường Yên, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, previously, there were only two fish release points in the city.

In recent years, this activity has expanded widely across nine local districts, with over 10 tonnes of young fish released annually.

On this occasion, districts in the city also arranged seven venues for releasing approximately 250,000 juvenile fish of various types.

Additionally, Cần Thơ cooperated with the neighbouring An Giang and Đồng Tháp provinces to expand the scope of the event. — VNS