Thanh Liêm & Bảo Trân

Farmer Lý Văn Bon, or Uncle Bảy Bon, feeds the fish. — VNA/VNS Photo

CẦN THƠ — In the vast waters of Cồn Sơn in Cần Thơ City lies an unusual story about an old farmer, Lý Văn Bon – affectionately known as Uncle Bảy Bon – who is a unique 'sponsor' of a massive school of wild river fish.

Every year, the 63-year-old man willingly spends nearly VNĐ800 million (US$31,000) not for profit, but to feed and protect multiple native fish species, transforming his floating cages into a conservation landmark that supports the riverine ecosystem and contributes to eco-tourism.

Preserving wild river fish

Bảy Bon instructs visitors on feeding the fish. — VNA/VNS Photo

Uncle Bảy Bon's story began in 2016, when an environmental crisis and market downturn hit the Mekong Delta's aquaculture industry.

The cost of raising fish was VNĐ25,000–30,000 per kilogramme, but they sold for only VNĐ20,000–25,000 per kg, leading to heavy losses.

To survive, he pivoted to eco-tourism, partnering with other Cồn Sơn households to build a garden-style tourism chain.

Initially, to earn extra income and pay workers when tourist numbers were still low, he opened a recreational fishing service right on his cages. This service quickly brought in steady revenue of about VNĐ1 million ($38) per day, or VNĐ30 million ($1,140) per month.

But then came a turning point. He noticed more and more wild catfish gathering around his floating cages, eventually becoming so familiar that they appeared every time he fed his farmed fish. Watching their numbers grow, he became concerned about the depletion of native fish species in the Mekong River. He realised this gathering was not merely a potential income source but a valuable natural treasure worthy of protection.

In 2018, he made a bold decision to completely shut down the fishing service. This meant voluntarily giving up a stable annual income of VNĐ360 million ($13,700).

“Previously, the fishing service earned me about VNĐ1 million per day. But when I saw the wild catfish returning, my wife and I agreed to stop it to protect them,” he said.

The couple’s dedication did not stop there. As the number of fish grew, so did their need for food. To feed the school, Bảy Bon spends over VNĐ1.2 million ($46) per day, or over VNĐ430 million ($16,500) per year on two bags of industrial fish feed. When combined with his forfeited income, he effectively invests nearly VNĐ800 million annually in a fish school that does not even belong to him, an act many would consider crazy.

Behind this seemingly impulsive decision lies a long-held concern and deep love for his homeland's river.

As a former customs officer, Bảy was inspired several years ago, when he met a French aquaculture expert during a business trip.

The expert convinced him of a long-term vision. As the human population grows and wild fish stocks shrink, he said, cage farming on the Mekong would be essential.

“He told me there was no place in the world as ideal for freshwater aquaculture as the Mekong,” Bảy Bon recalled.

From that point, he committed himself to fish farming not just for business, but out of concern for the disappearance of rare native species like cá chốt chuột (black lancer) or cá chạch lửa (fire eel). He delved into complex aquaculture techniques, from crafting his own oxygen tanks to meticulously monitoring water quality before daring to release rare species into his cages.

His efforts have paid off.

Today, his floating cages shelter 15 species of fish, from staples like cá thác lác (bronze featherbacks) and catfish to Mekong endemics including the black lancers, cá hô (giant barb or Siamese carp), cá éc (black sharkminnow) and cá sát sọc (Giant pangasius).

He even set aside space for disabled or mutated fish, those that are brightly coloured, blind or finless.

These special fish help him educate visitors about human impacts on nature, spreading a powerful message of conservation.

A riverine cultural destination

Foreign visitors enjoy a fish massage at Bảy Bon's fish farm. — VNA/VNS Photo

Driven by his love for nature, Bảy Bon's fish cages have become one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in Cồn Sơn.

His model of combining fish farming, eco-tourism and conservation not only offers a unique travel experience, but also provides stable jobs for local workers, with salaries ranging from VNĐ7–10 million ($275–393) per month.

At Bảy Bon's fish cages, visitors immerse themselves in the fresh river air and unforgettable experiences.

With just a familiar knock from Bảy Bon, thousands of fish rise to the surface, creating a lively spectacle.

Tourists can feed them by hand and witness an incredible performance by the 'basket-carrying fish', known for their pinpoint-accurate water-jet hunting skills.

Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing fish foot massage or try the renowned cá thác lác cườm catfish fishcakes, and even take some home as souvenirs.

The seamless blend of sightseeing, hands-on experiences and gastronomy has attracted an impressive average of 300 daily visitors on weekdays, soaring to 1,000 at weekends.

Đặng Tấn Phát, a tourist from Đồng Nai Province, said: “This is my first time in Cần Thơ, and everything feels so authentic, from the scenery to the friendly locals. Feeding the fish and learning about them firsthand was a truly special experience.”

Bảy Bon's story and floating fish sanctuary are living proof that when economic goals align with conservation, and when love for nature takes precedence over short-term gain, it not only creates sustainable value for oneself but also helps preserve priceless natural heritage for future generations. — VNS