The event was held in Song Cau Town, a prominent center for lobster farming within Phu Yen Province. This landmark gathering brought together representatives from various sectors, including central and local government bodies, scientific research institutions, private enterprises, and a substantial number of lobster farmers. This broad representation underscored the industry’s critical economic and social role, particularly in Vietnam’s South Central Coast region.
The conference was co-chaired by Tran Dinh Luan, General director of the Department of Fisheries; Nguyen Trong Tung, Director of the Phu Yen Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Phan Tran Van Huy, Chairman of the Song Cau Town People’s Committee. High level representatives from central agencies, such as the Department of Animal Health, the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development, the Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning, and the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. III, actively participated. Additionally, local departments, cooperatives, collaborative groups, private enterprises, and numerous individual farmers were in attendance, reflecting a strong and diverse interest in the sustainable development of the lobster farming sector.
Economic role and current status of the lobster industry
Lobster farming in Vietnam has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in the early 2000s. According to data from the Department of Fisheries, the industry has evolved into a cornerstone of the marine economy for coastal provinces in South Central Vietnam. By 2024, the total number of lobster farming cages had reached approximately 280,000, producing an estimated 5,800 tons of commercial lobsters. The export value of this production exceeded USD 430 million, marking a significant contribution to the national economy. The majority of this activity is concentrated in Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa Provinces, which collectively account for over 94 percent of total production. Other provinces, including Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, also engage in lobster farming but at smaller scales.
|
Photo 2: Mr. Le Huu Tinh, Deputy Director of Dac Loc Aquaculture Co., Ltd., sharing insights
|
The industry primarily focuses on four lobster species: the ornate spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus), scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus), painted spiny lobster (Panulirus polyphagus), and red spiny lobster (Panulirus longipes). Among these, the ornate and scalloped species dominate the market due to their rapid growth rates and high economic value. Vietnam’s research institutions have made strides in studying lobster aquaculture, including artificial seed production and onshore tank farming. While these studies have yielded promising results, the industry continues to rely heavily on natural seed sources.
Challenges facing the lobster industry
Despite its impressive growth and contributions, the lobster farming sector faces multiple challenges that hinder its long term sustainability. One major issue is the lack of cohesive and detailed planning across farming regions. In some localities, the absence of comprehensive zoning for lobster aquaculture has led to delays in licensing marine farming activities and registering farming cages. Furthermore, the industry’s reliance on natural seed sources remains a critical vulnerability. Vietnam has yet to achieve large scale artificial seed production, forcing farmers to depend on wild caught or imported seeds, which are subject to supply fluctuations and environmental impact concerns.
|
Photo 3: General director Tran Dinh Luan inspecting traceable lobsters at a farming site
|
Technological limitations also pose significant barriers. Traditional farming practices continue to dominate, with limited adoption of modern methods such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) cages or onshore tank systems. These outdated techniques not only constrain productivity but also exacerbate environmental issues. Waste discharge from farming activities is often poorly managed, contributing to pollution in coastal and marine ecosystems. Market related challenges further complicate the industry’s prospects. Lobster consumption is predominantly reliant on the Chinese and domestic markets, with minimal diversification into other international markets. This narrow market base exposes the industry to significant risks associated with fluctuating demand and trade policies.
Proposed solutions for sustainable development
At the conference, General director Tran Dinh Luan highlighted the importance of improving production organization and establishing robust traceability systems for lobster products. The Department of Fisheries has initiated a pilot project to attach traceability tags to lobsters, enabling tracking from farming facilities to cooperatives and processing centers. This initiative, currently being trialed in Phu Yen, aims to enhance transparency and facilitate exports to high value markets. Expanding this program nationwide is a priority in the coming years.
Chairman Phan Tran Van Huy of the Song Cau Town People’s Committee outlined the locality’s efforts to formalize and regulate aquaculture activities. Following the approval of Phu Yen Province’s Comprehensive Aquaculture Development Plan for 2021 – 2025, with a vision toward 2030, Song Cau Town has begun allocating specific marine zones for aquaculture. These measures aim to eliminate unlicensed farming practices and promote orderly, sustainable development. The town is also developing an offshore farming area spanning 1,380 hectares, incorporating advanced technologies tailored to the needs of different species.
To address the industry’s challenges and ensure sustainable growth, the conference proposed a series of strategic measures. First, authorities must review and reorganize farming zones, ensuring that marine farming licenses and cage registrations comply with established regulations. Collaborative production and consumption models should be fostered, transforming small scale producers into cooperatives and forging partnerships with enterprises that supply inputs and purchase outputs. Enhancing environmental monitoring and waste management systems in farming areas is essential to mitigate pollution and preserve marine ecosystems.
|
Photo 4: Department of Fisheries team conducting a site inspection of lobster farming areas
|
Advancements in scientific research and technology will also play a pivotal role. Continued efforts to develop artificial seed production are critical, leveraging international cooperation with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. High tech farming methods, including tank farming and industrial feed production, should be encouraged, alongside the development of biological products that enhance lobster health and growth. These innovations will help modernize the industry and increase its competitiveness in global markets.
Market expansion efforts are equally vital to the industry’s sustainability. Diversifying export markets beyond China and stabilizing domestic consumption are crucial steps. Promotional campaigns should target potential new markets, and production practices should align with the preferences and standards of these markets. Establishing large scale production zones linked to processing facilities and market supply chains will further enhance efficiency and profitability.
The "Enhancing Cooperation and Connectivity in Lobster Farming and Consumption for Sustainable Development" conference in Phu Yen marked a significant milestone in the journey toward a modern, sustainable lobster farming industry. By fostering close cooperation among government bodies, research institutions, private enterprises, and farmers, the conference laid a strong foundation for addressing the sector’s challenges and unlocking its full potential. This collective effort will ensure that Vietnam’s lobster industry not only meets domestic and international market demands but also contributes to the sustainable development of coastal communities and ecosystems.
Hai Dang