An industrial marine farming model in the south-central coastal province of Khánh Hòa.— VNA/VNS Photo Đặng Tuấn

KHÁNH HÒA — The south-central coastal province of Khánh Hòa is gradually establishing itself as a leading centre for marine aquaculture in Việt Nam based on its advantages of a coastline extending over 380km, sheltered bays and a history of marine research.

The province has long been home to numerous scientific research institutions focused on marine and ocean studies, while local communities have been engaged in seafood farming for generations.

According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, since 2021, Khánh Hòa has seen a growth in both the cultivation and harvest of aquatic products.

Fisheries are a key sector for the province's economic development strategy, contributing significantly to the shift in the agricultural economy and providing jobs for over 82,900 people, nearly 10 per cent of the region's total workforce.

Provincial authorities have been proactive in encouraging businesses to invest in industrial parks and bringing seafood processing factories to the area, such as in the Suối Dầu Industrial Park and the Đắc Lộc-Nha Trang Industrial Park.

There are currently 64 seafood production and processing facilities in the province, concentrated in the Suối Dầu Industrial Park.

The facilities have been certified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for meeting industry standards.

By the end of October, Khánh Hòa's seafood export turnover exceeded US$511 million.

The province is also recognised for its strong focus on research into sustainable aquaculture.

Khánh Hòa Province is home to several leading research institutions, including the Institute of Oceanography, the Research Institute for Agriculture No 3 and Nha Trang University.

The agencies have carried out in-depth studies, particularly on developing artificial breeding methods as well as sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices.

This research has contributed to marine environmental protection, helping to manage and maintain ecological balance in aquaculture areas.

It not only promotes sustainable growth within the seafood sector, but also helps safeguard natural resources for future generations.

Lê Văn Hoan, Deputy Director of the province’s agriculture department, said Khánh Hòa currently has four main aquaculture regions: Vạn Ninh District, Ninh Hòa Town, Cam Lâm District and Cam Ranh City.

The primary species farmed include white leg shrimp, black tiger shrimp, marine fish, sea snail (Babylonia areolata) and crabs, with over 4,000ha dedicated to aquaculture each year.

Lobster and various marine fish species such as cobia, pompano, grouper and barramundi are the main species farmed in floating cages.

Pacific oysters, sea cucumbers, clam species, pearl oysters and seaweed are also economically viable for local farmers.

The total annual aquaculture production in Khánh Hòa exceeds 18,000 tonnes.

Challenges

However, marine aquaculture in the province faces several challenges.

The province currently has over 97,000 fish cages, concentrated in Vạn Ninh District, Cam Ranh City and Ninh Hòa Town.

For many years, local aquaculture has relied on traditional wooden cages (floating platforms) and metal cages (sinking cages).

But these methods are now outdated, and most farmers use fresh feed.

The stocking density in many areas is still suboptimal, leading to significant risks from environmental factors, natural disasters and disease outbreaks, particularly affecting lobsters.

For example, in April 2024, the province’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Division reported widespread deaths of farmed lobsters in floating cages in the Khải Lương and Hà Già villages of Vạn Ninh District.

Trần Minh Hiền, a lobster farmer in Khải Lương Village, said that the hot weather and fluctuating tides had caused ongoing lobster deaths, with around six to seven lobsters dying each day in his 1,000-lobster pond.

Similarly, Trần Trung Thông, Deputy Chairman of the People's Committee of Vạn Hưng Commune, said that although lobster farming in the region had always faced losses, this year's mortality rate was notably higher.

Local authorities have worked with relevant agencies to collect samples for testing and to advise farmers on disease prevention.

High-tech marine farming

Fishermen feed fish at an HDPE cage in Cam Ranh city, in the south-central coastal province of Khánh Hòa.— VNA/VNS Photo Đặng Tuấn

In January, 2022, the Politburo issued Resolution No 09-NQ/TW, setting out a vision for the development of the province by 2030, with a long-term outlook to 2045.

The Resolution advocates for a significant boost to the marine economy, particularly focusing on high-tech, environmentally friendly marine aquaculture.

In line with the vision, the province’s agriculture department has collaborated with the the Research Institute for Agriculture No 3 to develop and refine a pilot project for high-tech marine aquaculture in Khánh Hòa.

The project has an estimated budget of VNĐ1 trillion ($29 million), including VNĐ300 billion ($11.7 million) from the provincial budget and VNĐ400 billion ($15.7 million) from farmers.

In mid-2023, the first high-tech marine aquaculture model was implemented in Cam Lập Commune, Cam Ranh City.

After a year, the project has been deemed successful, achieving its intended goals.

The report highlighted that the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) cages used in the project performed better than traditional wooden cages, with an average profit margin of 172 per cent for cobia, 112 per cent for lobsters and 131.4 per cent for grouper.

This success sets the foundation for expanding the adoption of high-tech marine farming methods.

Nguyễn Văn Tý, a pioneer in cobia farming in open waters in Cam Lập, said that before switching to HDPE cages, farmers faced significant challenges with traditional floating platforms, especially in areas with strong waves and storms.

Operating wooden cages was cumbersome and unsuitable for larger-scale operations.

However, since adopting HDPE cages, farming has become much easier.

The sturdy and mobile HDPE cages are able to withstand environmental changes, ensuring the safety of marine farming in deep or high-wave areas.

Tý added that the HDPE cage system optimised farming space, saved time and effort and improved economic returns through reduced costs and enhanced seafood quality.

However, he pointed out that the high initial investment remained a significant barrier, with many farmers hesitant to make the switch.

Financial support

Nguyễn Tấn Tuân, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said the province would introduce financial support policies, including subsidised loans, to help fishermen transition from traditional cages to high-tech farming systems capable of withstanding storms of up to level 10-12, ensuring the safety of their assets.

The provincial authorities were also working on insurance policies for farmers in open-water aquaculture zones as well as accident insurance schemes.

Phùng Đức Tiến, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, revealed that marine aquaculture farmers would soon be included in a Government loan survey as part of a loan package worth VNĐ30 trillion ($1.17 billion).

The provincial People's Council will also develop policies to ease the difficulties farmers face in leasing sea water areas and securing loans.

This support will be crucial in rolling out the high-tech marine farming programme.

The implementation of the plan will occur in three phases.

Under the first phase, by the end of 2025, a 30ha area to serve marine aquaculture for 150 households will be established in Vạn Ninh District, Ninh Hòa Town and Nha Trang City, with an estimated investment of over VNĐ75 billion ($2.94 million) from local budgets, enterprise support funds and farmers' contributions.

Under the second phase in 2026 and 2027, the plan will expand the high-tech farming model to 100ha for 500 households, with a total cost of VNĐ225 billion ($8.8 million).

Under the third phase, expected to end in 2029, the model will be extended to 110ha for 550 households, with an estimated budget of VNĐ245 billion ($9.6 million).

To encourage the adoption of high-tech marine aquaculture, Tuân emphasised the importance of ensuring high-quality breeding stock for farmers and good management of farming zones.

Additionally, the province should continue to implement supportive policies to motivate farmers to engage in the development of high-tech marine aquaculture. — VNS