Khanh Hoa embraces high-tech marine aquaculture through cooperatives

Cooperatives: A pillar of blue economic growth

Since late 2024, Khanh Hoa has launched a series of strategic partnerships to advance collective economic models, particularly in aquaculture. The provincial Cooperative Alliance has signed cooperation agreements with the Khanh Hoa Fisheries Association, the Young Entrepreneurs Association, and the Vietnam Marine Farming Association, aiming to promote high-tech marine aquaculture from 2025 to 2030.

These partnerships focus on raising awareness among fishers and cooperative members about sustainable aquaculture practices, promoting sectoral planning, and facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies, including HDPE cages, automated feeding systems, environmental sensors, and remote monitoring. The parties have also jointly proposed policy recommendations to the provincial government, advocating for credit support, logistics investment, and incentives for high-tech aquaculture development.

Looking ahead, the province expects to support the formation of one to three new aquaculture cooperatives or collaborative groups in the near term.

Pilot project for high-tech offshore farming

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 231/QD-TTg, Khanh Hoa has been selected as a pilot province for high-tech marine aquaculture through 2029. The project targets two priority zones: a 240-hectare area within 3 nautical miles from shore, expected to yield 3,600 tons annually, and a 200-hectare zone from 3 to 6 nautical miles, with an estimated output of 5,100 tons per year.

To support implementation, the province issued Action Plan No. 1884/KH-UBND, tasking the Cooperative Alliance with consolidating small-scale farms into community-managed models, encouraging the formation of new cooperatives, and mobilizing private investment in the sector.

In early 2025, the Van Ninh Aquaculture Cooperative was officially established with 34 members and VND 1 billion in charter capital. The cooperative manages over 100 traditional cages and 10 HDPE cages equipped with modern technology. This marked a key step in advancing the province’s shift toward modern, environmentally friendly, and disaster-resilient aquaculture.

The current landscape of aquaculture cooperatives

As of December 2024, Khanh Hoa had 15 active cooperatives in the seafood sector, 11 of which remain operational, including 7 in aquaculture and 4 in capture fisheries. The remaining 4 ceased operations due to limited capital, labor shortages, and infrastructure challenges.

In the capture fisheries segment, four cooperatives with 126 members are engaged in nearshore fishing using traditional gear. Their average annual revenue is around VND 3 billion, with profits reaching VND 400 million. Member incomes average VND 66 million per year. However, the segment continues to face challenges such as stagnant revenue growth, outdated technologies, and declining fish stocks.

Conversely, aquaculture cooperatives show promising growth. Although their average capital, around VND 1 billion, is lower than that of capture fisheries cooperatives, they focus on high-value species such as spiny lobster, black tiger shrimp, babylonia snails, oysters, and marine fish. Average revenue stands at VND 2.62 billion per year, with a 10% profit margin and member income nearing VND 65 million annually.

Despite ongoing limitations in scale, infrastructure, and technical capacity, Khanh Hoa’s aquaculture cooperatives are steadily evolving. The province’s recent shift toward high-tech marine farming is expected to enhance productivity, ensure environmental protection, and foster integration with eco-tourism and national maritime security efforts.

VFM