Vietnam’s fisheries sector sets sights on technological self-sufficiency
Despite progress in recent years, science and technology (S&T) have yet to play a transformative role in Vietnam’s fisheries sector. Industry experts assert that becoming self-reliant, especially in strategic technologies, must now be a central goal.
At a recent forum on fisheries and aquatic resource surveillance held in Bac Ninh, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, Tran Dinh Luan, emphasized Vietnam’s position as one of the top three global seafood exporters. Flagship products like shrimp and pangasius, along with emerging marine aquaculture enterprises and tilapia exports valued at USD 41 million in 2024, underline the sector’s strength. However, he acknowledged that science and innovation must play a more decisive role in ensuring long-term growth.
Recent successes include the development of 35 aquatic seed varieties, tailored feed formulas for major species such as shrimp, sea bass, and sea snails, and models promoting circular and green economies in aquaculture. Advances in post-harvest processing and traceability have also helped Vietnamese seafood meet increasingly stringent international standards.
Yet challenges remain. High-quality broodstock is still largely imported, and survival rates for fingerlings, especially pangasius, remain low. Marine fish seed supply is limited in both quantity and quality. Lobster and mollusk hatcheries rely heavily on wild catch, leaving the sector vulnerable to environmental risks and disease outbreaks.
In processing, while giants like Minh Phu and Vinh Hoan dominate shrimp and pangasius exports, value-added products are still a minority. Non-food seafood byproducts remain underutilized, and post-harvest losses remain high due to outdated on-board preservation and limited understanding of fish migration patterns.
Research into consumer behavior, market dynamics, and value chain governance is fragmented and insufficiently aligned with industry needs. Similarly, the number of businesses engaged in R&D remains low.
Looking ahead, the fisheries sector is aligning with Politburo Resolution 57-NQ/TW to prioritize institutional reform, human resource development, infrastructure, data systems, and cutting-edge technologies.
In aquaculture, the focus will be on breeding faster-growing, disease-resistant species and industrial-scale farming techniques. Investments will also target marine aquaculture, large-scale freshwater farming, and the cultivation of seaweed and other aquatic plants.
Disease surveillance, especially for high-value species, will remain a top priority. Programs to develop national products such as brackish-water shrimp and pangasius will continue, with new support for marine aquaculture candidates.
In capture fisheries and processing, Vietnam will invest in vessel modernization and sustainable harvesting methods. The goal is to expand value-added products, ready-to-eat seafood, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and strengthen environmental stewardship.
Digital transformation will underpin efforts across the board: from farming and surveillance to database management and fisheries law enforcement. Vietnam is also expanding international partnerships and seeking investment to acquire and localize strategic technologies.
The roadmap is clear: science, innovation, and technology are no longer optional for Vietnam’s fisheries sector, they are the foundation for sustainable growth.
VFM
