In April 2024, Phu Yen province in Vietnam encountered sporadic cases of aquatic diseases in certain farming areas. Despite these challenges, local aquaculture activities have remained generally stable, with outputs showing a notable increase compared to the same period last year.

Farming Area Overview

The latest data from the Phu Yen Fisheries Department indicates that in April 2024, localities within the province stocked approximately 275 hectares, reflecting a modest decrease of 0.9% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Here’s a breakdown of the farming areas:

• Fish farming increased by 3.2% to cover 16 hectares.
• Whiteleg shrimp farming slightly decreased by 0.5% to 204 hectares.
• Black tiger shrimp farming remained stable at 7 hectares.
• Other aquatic products saw a decline of 4%, totaling 48 hectares.

By the end of April 2024, the cumulative farming area reached 1,431 hectares, showcasing an overall increase of 1.2% from the same period in the previous year. Notably:

• Fish farming expanded to 168 hectares, marking a 0.9% increase.
• Whiteleg shrimp farming notably rose to 850 hectares, indicating a substantial increase of 1.8%.
• Black tiger shrimp farming grew by 0.5% to reach 202 hectares.
• Other aquatic products surged by 100% to cover 211 hectares.

Shrimp Seed Production

During April 2024, shrimp seed production in Phu Yen province reached an impressive 155 million. Cumulatively, in the first four months of 2024, facilities produced approximately 220 million shrimp seeds, comprising 190 million white-leg shrimp seeds and 30 million black tiger shrimp seeds. This demonstrates a notable 2.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Harvest Output Trends

In terms of harvest output, April 2024 saw a substantial increase of 4.7% compared to the same period last year, with a total output of 1,156 tons. This output comprised various aquatic products:

• Fish output totaled 97 tons.
• Black tiger shrimp output amounted to 9 tons.
• Whiteleg shrimp output reached an impressive 920 tons.
• Lobster and other seafood contributed 108 tons and 22 tons, respectively.

For the first four months of 2024, the overall harvest output in Phu Yen province reached 2,241 tons, representing a notable 8.1% increase from the previous year. The breakdown includes:

• Fish output decreased slightly by 2.5% to 160 tons.
• Black tiger shrimp output increased by 3.7% to 9 tons.
• Whiteleg shrimp output surged by 4.5% to 1,710 tons.
• Lobster output experienced a significant 13.7% increase to 340 tons.

Disease Management Efforts

Despite these positive trends, Phu Yen province faced challenges with aquatic diseases in the first three months of 2024. The Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine reported 11.5 hectares of farmed shrimp affected by diseases, predominantly acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease and necrosis of hematopoietic and epithelial organs.

To address these issues, the Department has actively directed animal husbandry and veterinary stations in aquaculture areas to support farmers in treating and disinfecting affected shrimp ponds according to regulations. Additionally, they are intensifying inspection and monitoring efforts to promptly identify and control disease outbreaks, thereby safeguarding the health of farmed aquatic animals and preventing further spread.