Quang Ninh pushes multi-species marine farming to promote green aquaculture
The northern province of Quang Ninh is stepping up efforts to build a greener, more sustainable aquaculture industry in response to mounting challenges from climate change and marine pollution.
Central to the province’s strategy is the adoption of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), a method that combines farming of fish, seaweed and shellfish to improve water quality, optimize ecosystem functions and increase productivity.
Authorities have also moved to phase out environmentally harmful practices. Five years after the provincial Party Committee issued Directive No. 13, most foam buoys have been replaced with cleaner, more durable HDPE alternatives.
In tandem, Quang Ninh is restructuring its fishing fleet by reducing nearshore vessels and investing in offshore-capable, high-powered boats. Aquaculture zoning now covers 45,000 hectares, supporting rapid growth of marine farms. More than 100 cooperatives have been established over the past two years, with some projects integrating high-tech aquaculture with eco-tourism.
The province is also seeking approval to establish three marine protected areas, 13 aquatic resource conservation zones and four no-fishing areas as part of efforts to preserve biodiversity and ensure long-term sustainability. By 2025, nearly 7 million juvenile aquatic species are expected to be released, mostly funded by private sources.
The initiatives have drawn international recognition. WWF Vietnam reports that Quang Ninh’s marine aquaculture environment has significantly improved over the past decade.
In the first quarter of 2025, the province’s seafood output reached over 36,000 tonnes, 3.5% above target. With strong policy support and community engagement, Quang Ninh is positioning itself as a national model for sustainable, efficient aquaculture that balances economic growth with marine conservation.
VFM
