Ensuring 100% environmental monitoring in aquaculture zones
Shrimp and pangasius industry are the the Mekong Delta’s economic pillars, prompting local authorities to place significant focus on environmental management.
The Mekong Delta plays a critical role in Vietnam’s seafood export industry, with approximately 910,000 hectares of aquaculture area producing over 3.34 million tons annually, 65% of the country’s total output.
According to the Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Mekong Delta is home to 4,561 aquaculture seed production facilities and 310 factories producing feed and biological products for the sector. Additionally, the region hosts 362 cold-processing facilities, including 102 factories meeting international export standards. Many of these specialize in processing pangasius, shrimp, and high-value seafood, with concentrations in provinces like Ca Mau, Bac Lieu, Dong Thap, and An Giang.
Vietnam’s participation in 16 free trade agreements (FTAs), including bilateral and multilateral agreements, has deepened its integration into the global economy, expanding export markets. However, the country faces significant challenges in seafood exports due to intense competition from Thailand, India, and Indonesia, coupled with trade barriers, stringent food safety inspections, and anti-dumping regulations in key markets. Moreover, environmental pressures and the demand for sustainable development underscore the need for strategies to ensure the long-term growth of the aquaculture sector, particularly in the Mekong Delta.
Nguyen Van Huu, a key industry official, outlined the region’s development goals for 2030: an aquaculture area of 990,000 hectares, including 740,000 hectares for brackish-water farming and 150,000 hectares for freshwater farming, with total production exceeding 4.8 million tons. This includes 1.2 million tons of brackish-water shrimp and 2 million tons of pangasius. Environmental monitoring, disease control, and food safety must be ensured in all farming areas.
“The goal is to have 100% of concentrated aquaculture zones under environmental, disease, and food safety control. At least 30% of aquaculture areas and production must operate under cooperative and chain-linkage models. Additionally, over 30% of aquaculture workers must receive vocational training. More than 20% of the farming area should achieve certifications such as VietGAP or equivalent. Essential infrastructure, particularly irrigation systems, must meet over 50% of the demand in concentrated farming zones,” Huu stated.
As of October 2024, Vietnam’s seafood export turnover was estimated at USD 8.2 billion, reflecting year-on-year growth. This included over USD 3.2 billion from shrimp exports and nearly USD 1.7 billion from pangasius. Total seafood export revenue for the year is projected to surpass USD 10 billion.
VFM
