Soc Trang Boosting profits by raising fish in shrimp ponds
Many farms in Soc Trang that have transitioned from shrimp to fish farming have experienced a substantial increase in profits, motivating them to sustain this model for the long term.
Soc Trang province has a total aquaculture area of 74,000 hectares, including 51,000 hectares for brackish water shrimp farming, 19,550 hectares for freshwater aquaculture and various fish species, and 3,450 hectares for other types of aquaculture. Farmers are adopting different approaches, such as intensive fish farming, integrating fish within shrimp ponds, or fully converting shrimp ponds into fish farms. Many households that have switched from shrimp to fish farming have seen significantly higher profits, encouraging them to continue this model for years.
Huynh Khanh Luong, a farmer from Nha Tho Hamlet, Trung Binh Commune, Tran De District (Soc Trang), recognized the financial potential and converted some of his shrimp ponds into fish ponds. Previously, he farmed shrimp across more than 13 hectares, but in recent years, declining profits led him to shift 15 shrimp ponds—covering a total of 3 hectares—to fish farming. He now raises various high-value species, including knifefish, Pangasius kunyit, red snapper, Asian sea bass, and golden pompano. Depending on the species, farming and harvest times vary. With 15 ponds, his annual fish yield is estimated at 120 tons, generating a net income of around 1 billion VND after deducting costs.
According to Khanh Luong, “Raising fish in former shrimp ponds offers multiple advantages. These ponds are already well-prepared, making disease control easier compared to newly dug earthen ponds. Since shrimp ponds are fully lined with plastic and equipped with aerators for oxygenation, managing water quality is more efficient. If farmers understand the characteristics of each fish species, caring for them is less challenging than shrimp, as fish are generally more resistant to disease. Additionally, fish farming requires lower investment costs while providing promising returns.”
Le Huu Tri, a farmer from Long Phu Town, Long Phu District (Soc Trang), also believes that transitioning from shrimp to fish farming has been a profitable decision, providing a stable annual income. “Shrimp prices have declined in recent years, reducing profits,” he explained. “That’s why I decided to convert my shrimp ponds into fish farms. With 2 hectares divided into four ponds of 5,000 square meters each, I chose to raise snakehead fish and Hemibagrus catfish, which take about six months to reach harvest size. Traders come directly to the ponds to buy the fish, with snakehead fish selling for 50,000–57,000 VND/kg and Hemibagrus catfish for 80,000–90,000 VND/kg. After expenses, my net profit exceeds 2 billion VND annually from these four ponds.”
In addition to Hemibagrus catfish, Tri also raises various fish species together in the same ponds, including black grouper, Asian stone catfish, and spotted scat, each offering high economic value. While snakehead fish and Hemibagrus catfish can be harvested in six months, he limits farming to one crop per year to allow time for proper pond restoration. For the 2025 season, he is preparing to harvest Hemibagrus catfish, and based on current market prices, he expects a profit of approximately 550 million VND per 5,000-square-meter pond.
“In recent years, many shrimp farming households in the province have adopted the practice of converting brackish water shrimp ponds into fish farms. Some farmers integrate two shrimp crops with one fish crop, while others raise both shrimp and fish in the same pond to improve water quality and reduce shrimp disease risks. This approach allows them to generate income from both shrimp and fish sales. However, a growing number of farmers are fully transitioning to specialized fish farming, raising species such as Asian stone catfish, sea bass, red snapper, snakehead fish, and Hemibagrus catfish. Those who have made the switch have seen stable incomes, provided that fish market prices remain favorable. Moving forward, we plan to support fish farmers by organizing training programs on farming techniques, sharing insights into fish species best suited for different regions, and providing market information on economic value and consumer demand. This will help farmers make informed decisions, improve productivity, and boost their earnings,” said Do Van Thua, Deputy Director of the Soc Trang Fisheries Sub-Department.
VFM
