The Vietnamese fisheries industry has been undergoing significant transformations aimed at enhancing quality, efficiency, and economic contributions. According to experts, however, to further propel the industry forward, several bottlenecks, particularly in seed production, need urgent attention.

Current Landscape of Aquatic Breed Production

According to the Department of Fisheries, Vietnam houses 8,112 aquatic breed production and nursery establishments, with an estimated seed production of 322 billion fish in 2023. Among these establishments, there are 2,141 dedicated to brackish water shrimp, yielding approximately 150 billion shrimp seeds, including 108 billion whiteleg shrimp and 42 billion black tiger shrimp. Despite these numbers, the industry still faces challenges, notably in domestic shrimp broodstock selection.

Over the past two decades, Vietnam’s fisheries industry has made remarkable progress in aquatic breeding, significantly improving quality and value. However, limitations persist, primarily due to the reliance on imported broodstock and underdeveloped domestic resources.

Promoting Research for Sustainable Development

To ensure sustainable growth in the fisheries sector, farmers claim there is an urgent need to enhance seed production and supply systems. This entails developing high-quality seed sources to meet commercial farming demands regionally and nationwide.

Investing in research and technology is crucial to enhancing breed quality. Focus areas include Pangasius, tiger shrimp, whiteleg shrimp, marine fish varieties, and seaweed. Additionally, efforts should target mastering seed production processes for species like lobsters, cold-water fish, and select marine species while prioritizing disease prevention in shrimp and fish fingerlings.

Importance of Broodstock and Strategic Initiatives

Broodstock shrimp are pivotal in the brackish water shrimp production chain. Hence, there’s a pressing need to proactively secure shrimp broodstock to reduce dependence on natural and imported sources. Localities with favorable conditions for shrimp seed production must elevate production standards to meet farming demands effectively.

Furthermore, strategic policies and initiatives from the government are essential to attract domestic and foreign investments in genetic technology for aquatic breeds. By fostering such investments, Vietnam can mitigate risks associated with importing shrimp seeds and strategically plan seasonal seafood production, ensuring stability in the aquatic breed industry.