Shrimp aquaculture
in Vietnam is in the process of being transformed
into a major industry around the intensification
of the production system.
The marine fishery
has become an extremely important export sector
in Vietnam, second only to oil production.
The Vietnamese
Government has invested in the aquaculture sector
as a way to develop the near shore environment
both biologically and socio-economically, create
a new form of income and reduce dependence on
natural resources.
Black tiger shrimp
culture has developed fast in Vietnam. It began
in the province of Khanh Hoa, an area with ideal
climate and good management system, then moved
South before finally reaching the North just
two or three years ago.
The production
of hatchery-produced larvae began in South Central
Vietnam, in and around Nha Trang City in Khanh
Hoa province. This is the home of fisheries
research institutes such as the Institute of
Oceanography and Center for Aquaculture. Technologies
produced here rapidly spread to nearby provinces
such as Danang.
Currently, production
of Shrimp culture in Vietnam is considered to
be one of the most attractive livelihoods in
coastal areas. Figures from the Department of
Fisheries (2001) show a rapid increase in shrimp
production. In 1991, just 70,000 tons were produced,
by 1995 this had reached 89,820 tons and in
2000 this had grown to 105,000 tons. By 2001,
155,000tons were available to the market, an
increase of 50% in just one year.
Shrimp culture
can be one of the most revenue building jobs
in Vietnam, making shrimp farmers extremely
wealthy. But at present intensive culture requires
a high capital investment. If the capital is
found, a large knowledge is then required of
the culture techniques to make the farm successful
and many will give up quickly or lose their
investment due to a lack of know-how.
Shrimp culture
is by far the most abundant in Vietnam and will
on average produce between 30 and 45 shrimp/kg;
the higher the stocking density the more shrimp
per kilogram, but will be reduced in size. This
reflects in the price. Shrimp from a 45 shrimp/kg
pond will fetch at present 80,000d/kg while
those from a 30 shrimp/kg pond between 90-100,000d/kg.
This been a rapid decrease in price from two
years ago, when they were as high as 160,000d/kg.
South Central
and Southern provinces of Vietnam produce the
majority of shrimp. They produce two shrimp
harvests each year. Shrimp do not grow well
during the mon-soon season because salinity
is too low. They wish to introduce another species
as an alternative to shrimp during this season,
which is better for the environment.In the North,
only one harvest is produced per year. This
is because weather conditions become unsuitable.
At present (end
of 2001), Vietnam has 4,105 shrimp hatcheries
nationwide, producing some 20 billion larvae
and meeting the demands of the farmers.
By:
Siam Canadian Foods
Co., Ltd.
9th Floor, Suite 283/44, Home Place Office Building.
283 Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55
Kongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110,
THAILAND
Call us at +66-2-185-3311
Fax: +66-2-185-3317
E-mail: info@siamcanadian.com
