The conference is co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People’s Committee of the south-central coastal province of Phu Yen. (Photo: VNA) Phu Yen (VNA) - Seaculture holdssignificant potential for growth in Vietnam but measures are needed for itssustainability, experts told a conference on December 18.
Co-organised by the Ministry of Agricultureand Rural Development and the People’s Committee of the south-central coastalprovince of Phu Yen, the conference discussed the sector’s advantages anddifficulties and put forth measures for sustainable development.
According to the Directorate of Fisheries,Vietnam’s seaculture area covers about 500,000 ha, with marine productionreaching 604,000 tonnes in 2020. The main species for cultivation includemolluscs, fish, crustaceans, seaweed, and sea cucumbers, with local processedproducts primarily exported to the EU, the US, and Japan.
The sector has so far helped improve livingstandards, ensure marine security, and safeguard the country’s sovereignty overits seas and islands. However, it remains unplanned and without adequateinfrastructure, while farmers’ breeding skills are yet to meet requirements. Anumber of farms overlap and conflict with other economic sectors, and causeenvironmental pollution.
Vice Director of the Phu Yen Department ofAgriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Tri Phuong suggested the Government establisha credit package and a set of standards, promptly address obstacles in thehandover of water surfaces, boost human resources training, invest in coastalinfrastructure, and build a roadmap for mariculture output, particularly oflobsters in Phu Yen and neighbouring provinces.
Representatives from the Research Institutes forAquaculture No 1 and No 3 recommended the self-production of industrial feed toprotect the environment.
Nguyen Huu Dung, Chairman of the VietnamSeaculture Association (VSA), advised localities involved to develop the sectorin association with off-shore fishing, tourism, and wind power.
Echoing these opinions, Deputy Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said that for rapid andsustainable growth during 2021-2025, the sector should focus on infrastructureinvestment, breeding selection, and building a closed process from input toexport that does not cause environmental pollution./.
VNA
