The model of sea urchin culture in the Lý Sơn ocean has been put on trial and promises to provide an abundant source of this species and raise income of local farmers.
Sea urchin is a nutritious and high economic species but is in danger due to over exploitation. So as to retain the supply source of sea urchin and create jobs for local residents, the Center of Agricultural services in Lý Sơn district is working with the Aquarium Institute to try a sea urchin model in the Lý Sơn ocean. The model initially promises to provide an abundant source of sea urchin and raise income of local farmers
The model is carried out on a raft of a household, including 54 cages in the area of 50m2 and being taken use of a cobia raft. Those rectangle shaped cages are 60cm long, 40cm wide and 2m deep. As many as 2,000 sea urchin, 2-3cm long each, are directly exploited from the Lý Sơn ocean and fed with local available algae and seaweed. Farmer Huỳnh Ngọc Thảo, a participant in this model, said that sea urchins can adapt to the raft farming environment after a month of stocking.
“Finished sea urchin products are sold at 260,000 – 300,000 dong/kg. If this model is successful and expanded, it will bring high economic value to farmers in Lý Sơn”, said Thảo.
Trương Đình Nho, Deputy Director of the Center of Agricultural services in Lý Sơn district said that this trial aimed to remain and develop the source of sea urchin, as well as create favorable conditions for local farmers to approach new species and raise their income.
“Results will be evaluated after a year. If efficiency is proven, farmers will be facilitated to expand the model to serve tourism and aquaculture. This will be very convenient due to low production costs and easy performance”, said Nho.
VFM
