First offshore high-tech marine farming cooperative launched in Khanh Hoa
Vietnam has launched its first offshore high-tech marine farming cooperative, Hon Noi Marine Farming Cooperative, in Khanh Hoa province, pioneering aquaculture operations six nautical miles off the coast.
The launch ceremony took place on Thursday morning, organized by the Khanh Hoa Provincial Cooperative Alliance in coordination with the Cam Lam Commune People’s Committee.
Hon Noi Cooperative, the country’s first to cultivate seafood in offshore waters, has seven members and a charter capital of VND 2 billion (around USD 85,000). Its headquarters are located in Bai Gieng 3 village, Cam Lam commune.
At the event, representatives from provincial departments and agencies pledged close cooperation to support the cooperative’s development. Assistance will include facilitating water-use permits to ensure stable investment and connecting the cooperative with businesses to secure market outlets for its products.
The cooperative’s establishment is part of a government-approved pilot project to develop high-tech marine farming in Khanh Hoa.
With a 385 km coastline, over 200 islands, numerous sheltered bays and lagoons, and deep-water ports, Khanh Hoa offers favorable conditions for offshore aquaculture. The province currently has four key marine cage-farming areas in Van Phong Bay (Van Ninh district), Cam Ranh Bay (Cam Ranh city), Nha Trang Bay (Nha Trang city), and Nha Phu Lagoon (Ninh Hoa town), focusing on lobsters and various marine fish including cobia, pomfret, grouper, and seabass.
Other economically viable species include Pacific oysters, sea cucumbers, geoduck clams, two-shelled clams, pearl, oysters, and seaweed.
According to Khanh Hoa’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province produces over 18,000 tons of farmed seafood annually. The development of marine aquaculture has helped restructure local coastal economies, create jobs, improve livelihoods, and contribute to socio-economic growth and coastal security.
VFM
