Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan speaks at the event (Photo: VNA) Quang Ninh (VNA) – Marine aquaculture plays a crucial rolein reducing pressure on natural exploitation, increasing oceanic value,biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development, Minister of Agricultureand Rural Development Le Minh Hoan said on April 1.
In his remarks at a conference on sustainable marine aquaculturewith a view from Quang Ninh held on April 1 in the northern province, Hoan said marine aquaculture will create new economic opportunities, livelihoods, andbiodiversity, adding that it holds a leading role, contributing significantlyto economic growth, state budget revenue, and employment.
The event was jointly organised by theMinistry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People's Committee of QuangNinh province. It drew the participation of about 450 domestic andinternational delegates.
The conference aimed at accelerating the implementation of Project 1664 on marine farming in Quang Ninh province, identifying the currentsituation of aquaculture in the world and in the country, and rolling out procedures onenvironmental impact assessment, licensing and assigning marineareas for aquaculture in the locality in the near future.
Nguyen Xuan Ky, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee,said that with a coastline stretching 2500km, fishing grounds covering over6,100 sq.km and three marine conservation areas, Quang Ninh targetsbecoming the aquaculture hub of the northern region by 2030. The province hasalso designated 45,246 ha of coastal waters for aquaculture development, with acomprehensive approach towards modernisation, environmental friendliness, tourism services, as well as safeguarding nationalsovereignty.
Quang Ninh has also restructured types of farmed seafood suitable for each region's advantages, improved productivity andproduct quality, he added.
Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken said that toensure efficient and sustainable marine aquaculture, countries need to establishsuitable areas for fish farming and ensureenvironmental protection.
Noting that Vietnam has many regions suitable for marine aquaculturethat have not been fully utilised, she suggested that it is necessary for thecountry to adopt new technologies, develop offshore aquaculture sites and managewaste and pollution properly.
The Prime Minister has approved a project on marine aquaculture development till 2030with a vision to 2045, under which Vietnam targetshaving 280,000ha for marine aquaculture, achieving an output of 850,000 tonnes andexport revenue of 800 million – 1 billion USD by 2025.
By 2045, sea farming will become an important part of thefisheries sector, accounting for over 25% of the totaloutput and earning more than 4 billion USD in export turnover./.
