Contextual Analysis: Aquaculture in the Red River Delta
The Red River Delta, characterized by its intricate network of rivers and abundant water resources, stands as one of Vietnam’s most promising regions for freshwater aquaculture. According to comprehensive data from 2024, the region dedicated 94,336 hectares to freshwater aquaculture, with a total cage volume of 901,916 cubic meters, yielding an impressive output of 567,073 tons. Leading provinces in terms of aquaculture area include Hanoi (24,700 hectares), Hai Duong (12,555 hectares), and Ninh Binh (11,457 hectares), while Bac Ninh (437,400 cubic meters) and Hai Duong (288,000 cubic meters) excelled in cage volume. The region cultivates a diverse range of species, including tilapia, hybrid carp, grass carp, and high value species such as eels, giant freshwater prawns, snails, soft-shell turtles, and snakehead fish.
Despite its inherent advantages, the aquaculture industry in the RRD faces formidable challenges. Mr. Pham Quang Phuc, Director of Xuan Neo high quality aquaculture Cooperative and Chairman of the Tu Ky high quality aquaculture Cooperative Union in Hai Duong, highlighted critical issues during the symposium. Farmers are grappling with substandard seed quality, water pollution, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. The devastating Typhoon No. 3 in September 2024 swept away hundreds of tons of fish, plunging numerous households into debt and, in some cases, forcing them to surrender property deeds. The Tu Ky Cooperative Union reported losses amounting to hundreds of billions of VND, yet affected farmers have received no relief due to legal and regulatory hurdles.
Water pollution remains a pressing concern. Unregulated discharge from livestock and poultry farming, coupled with farmers’ overuse of pesticides without proper treatment, has severely contaminated water sources critical for aquaculture. This pollution not only jeopardizes the health of aquatic species but also poses long-term risks to public health. Additionally, poor seed quality, stemming from unregistered breeding facilities and outdated technologies, represents a significant bottleneck for the industry.
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Image 2: The event drew a large audience, with delegates actively engaging in discussions.
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Specific shallenges and socio economic impacts
Mr. Phuc underscored the vital role of fish farming in generating employment and boosting incomes for thousands of households in Tu Ky District and surrounding areas. However, ongoing challenges threaten to erode these gains, exposing farmers to substantial financial losses. Factors such as low quality feed, outdated farming practices, inadequate infrastructure, and limited adoption of modern technologies exacerbate risks. Natural disasters, particularly typhoons and floods, inflict direct economic losses and erode farmers’ confidence in the viability of aquaculture as a livelihood.
Mr. Nhu Van Can, Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Surveilance, noted that the RRD’s aquaculture output reached 850,000 tons in 2024 - an impressive figure, yet one that falls short of the region’s potential. In comparison, Dong Thap Province produces over 500,000 tons of tra fish annually, highlighting the need for the RRD to maximize its advantages. Environmental degradation, poor seed quality, and disease outbreaks not only suppress production but also diminish the competitiveness of RRD aquaculture products in domestic and international markets.
Proposed solutions: a multi faceted approach
The symposium served as a platform for robust discussions, resulting in a comprehensive set of solutions aimed at overcoming obstacles and promoting sustainable aquaculture development. These solutions focused on improving seed quality, safeguarding the environment, leveraging technology, and establishing value chains.
Enhancing seed quality
Mr. Nhu Van Can emphasized the critical need for stringent oversight of broodstock and the promotion of artificial breeding to ensure high quality seeds. Enhanced seed quarantine measures are essential to mitigate disease risks. Dr. Vo Van Binh, Director of the National Center for Freshwater Aquaculture Seeds in Northern Vietnam, presented the 78 tilapia strain (Oreochromis niloticus), introduced in 2016. Known for its rapid growth, low feed conversion ratio (FCR), and high survival rate, this strain has been successfully piloted in provinces such as Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, Son Tay, and Ho Chi Minh City. The fish reaches a marketable size of 700–850 grams within 3 – 6 months, meeting both domestic and international demand.
Additionally, the red tilapia, developed by the Research Institute for Aquaculture No.II since 2008, shows immense promise. After three generations of selective breeding, its growth rate has increased by 30–40%, farming duration has decreased by 1 – 1.5 months, the FCR has dropped to 1.6 – 1.7, and survival rates range from 75 – 80%. These superior strains are poised to drive economic efficiency for farmers.
Environmental Monitoring and Protection
To combat water pollution, authorities must invest in environmental monitoring systems across key aquaculture zones. These systems will provide real-time data, enabling farmers to adapt production processes and respond to adverse environmental conditions. Concurrently, stricter regulations on waste discharge from livestock, poultry, and agricultural activities, alongside public awareness campaigns on water conservation, are imperative.
Adoption of cutting edge technologies
Farmers in the RRD have begun embracing advanced technologies, including the raceway fish culture model, sturgeon seed rearing without bloodworms, and low mud eel breeding. These innovations enhance productivity and product quality, aligning with stringent market standards. Mr. Le Van Viet, Director of Xuyen Viet Production and Trading Cooperative in Tu Ky District, reported that the raceway fish culture model has delivered exceptional economic returns, earning high praise during a field visit on the morning of the symposium.
Furthermore, the integration of biotechnology, information technology, and automation is encouraged to reduce disease and pollution risks. Water quality testing devices, such as the Sera 9 parameter test kit, allow farmers to monitor critical metrics like pH, alkalinity, and toxic gas levels, enabling science-based adjustments to pond environments.
Building value chains and production linkages
Mr. Hoang Van Hong, Deputy Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, stressed that fragmented, small scale production is no longer viable. Farmers must transition to collaborative models, forming value chains that encompass seed production, farming, processing, and marketing. Establishing brands for products like Hai Duong tilapia or Nam Dinh giant freshwater prawns will enhance value and market competitiveness.
Mr. Can advocated for stronger partnerships among farmers, cooperatives, and businesses to stabilize market access and ensure economic benefits. Successful cooperatives, such as Xuan Neo High quality Aquaculture Cooperative, demonstrate that tight knit collaboration enables farmers to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Training and technology transfer
To empower farmers, specialized agencies should organize training programs on modern farming techniques, veterinary safety, and disease management. The National Agricultural Extension Center pledged to continue developing demonstration models, hosting workshops, and supporting farmers in adopting scientific advancements.
Development goals for RRD aquaculture
In 2025, RRD provinces aim to expand aquaculture to 115,000 hectares, a 132 hectare increase from 2024, while boosting cage volume to 948,000 cubic meters, up by 1,084 cubic meters. Production is projected to reach 850,000 tons, a 3% rise from the previous year. Achieving these ambitious targets requires seamless coordination among regulators, businesses, cooperatives, and farmers. Supportive policies, including preferential loans, infrastructure investments, and expanded market access, will be instrumental in driving growth.
The symposium not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also laid the groundwork for a long term development strategy for RRD aquaculture. Under Government Decision 368/QD-TTg of 2024, the RRD is designated as a key region for marine economy and aquaculture development, emphasizing green growth, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The adoption of high tech solutions, establishment of VietGAP certified intensive farming zones, and creation of branded products will be pivotal in positioning RRD aquaculture on the global stage.
Drawing inspiration from successful models in the Mekong Delta, such as ecological shrimp farming and shrimp - rice rotation, the RRD can adapt proven practices to its context. Provinces like Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Hai Duong, with their favorable natural conditions and production expertise, are well-positioned to emerge as leading aquaculture hubs, catering to domestic demand and exporting to high-value markets like the United States, the European Union, and Japan.
Hai Dang