Vietnam pushes for climate-resilient marine aquaculture development in South central region
On October 10, Vietnam’s agriculture authorities held a forum in Khanh Hoa Province to discuss solutions for developing climate-resilient marine aquaculture in the South Central region.
The forum brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Nha Trang University, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), and leaders from provincial agriculture departments across the South Central region.
Unlocking potential for sustainable growth
According to Hoang Van Hong, Deputy Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, Vietnam’s long coastline of over 3,260 kilometers and an exclusive economic zone of more than one million square kilometers offer huge potential for marine aquaculture. The country also benefits from strong research capacity and a hardworking, adaptable workforce in the fisheries sector.
In recent years, the government has introduced a series of policies to promote industrial-scale, sustainable marine farming that moves further offshore—helping reduce pressure on coastal ecosystems while supporting economic growth, environmental protection, and maritime security. Notably, Vietnam’s Sustainable Fisheries Development Strategy, approved by the Prime Minister, has become a key driver for attracting investment and advancing high-tech marine aquaculture, particularly in the South Central region.
Rapid growth, persistent challenges
Ngô Thế Anh from the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance reported that by the end of 2024, Vietnam’s total marine cage farming volume reached 9.7 million cubic meters, up 38.6% from 2020 with 58,000 hectares of mollusk farming (up 5.5%). Marine aquaculture output hit 832,000 tons, up nearly 39%, growing at an average annual rate of 8.5%, almost double the growth rate of overall aquaculture production. Key species include groupers, cobia, pompano, lobsters, mollusks (such as oysters and clams), and seaweed.
Coastal provinces such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City, and An Giang have adopted advanced technologies including closed-loop systems, industrial cages, and automated environmental monitoring. These innovations have improved yields and created sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
However, marine aquaculture in the South Central region still faces significant obstacles, limited spatial planning, weak infrastructure, restricted access to finance, low technology adoption, and a shortage of skilled workers. Insurance and financial support policies remain ineffective, while climate change is adding further stress to coastal ecosystems.
Nguyen Trong Chanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Khanh Hoa Province, said aquaculture plays a vital role in the province’s economy, producing over 32,000 tons annually, with marine farming accounting for half of that. Yet, he noted that most operations remain small-scale and traditional, with poor infrastructure and weak environmental monitoring.
High-tech, integrated and sustainable pathways
To unlock the region’s potential, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance recommended that coastal provinces accelerate spatial planning aligned with the national marine economic strategy. The agency urged a transition from traditional floating cages to high-strength industrial cages suitable for offshore conditions, investment in high-quality broodstock, and greater adoption of environmentally friendly recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
It also called for stronger value chain linkages among producers, processors, and exporters to build national brands for farmed marine products and expand export markets. Integration between aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy was highlighted as a means of generating higher added value.
Provinces were also advised to invest in workforce training and raise public awareness on sustainable marine farming, disease control, and climate adaptation. These steps, officials said, are essential to advancing responsible aquaculture and green growth in line with global sustainability trends.
VFM
