6 Tech pillars driving Viet Nam’s fisheries breakthrough

At the first National Conference on Fisheries Science and Technology and Fisheries Surveillance in 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Lua, Director of the Viet Nam Academy of Fishery Sciences, proposed key technological orientations to support the sustainable development of Viet Nam’s fisheries sector for the 2026-2030 period.

Mastering high-quality seed production

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Lua, building on the achievements, capacity, and expertise of its member institutes, the Viet Nam Academy of Fishery Sciences has made many notable accomplishments in recent years. Its science and technology results have not only remained at the research stage but have also been transferred to enterprises and fishers through technology transfer contracts in the fisheries sector. This clearly demonstrates the progress of science and technology as well as its contributions to the industry.

In the field of selective breeding, one of the earliest highlights is the carp breeding program. Before 2000, the Institute successfully crossbred carp strains from Viet Nam, Hungary, and Indonesia, creating the V1 hybrid carp line with a growth rate 15-20% higher than local strains. After more than 20 years of development, the V1 carp line continues to be well recognized in the market, achieving a growth rate of 1-1.2 kg after 6-8 months of farming. This research was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize.

Following the success of the carp breeding program, the Institute has been implementing various selective breeding programs for species such as Nile tilapia, red tilapia, black tiger shrimp, whiteleg shrimp, and giant freshwater prawn with fast growth traits; as well as pangasius breeding programs focusing on rapid growth and disease resistance.

In recent years, the Institute has further expanded its breeding programs to marine species such as seabass, golden pompano, and several mollusk species.

These results have gradually affirmed the Institute’s role in achieving self-reliance in high-quality broodstock for the sector. Each year, it supplies hundreds of thousands of high-quality broodstock and parent candidates to production facilities, providing a solid foundation for the sustainable development of aquaculture.

In the field of seed production and commercial farming technologies, the Institute has mastered large-scale seed production processes for a wide range of aquatic species, from traditional and specialty species such as catfish (Hemibagrus) and Bagarius to marine fish like grouper and golden pompano, and more recently species such as queenfish and amberjack, as well as various mollusks and crustaceans. The Institute has also been a pioneer in introducing cold-water fish farming in Viet Nam.

“Mastering hatchery and grow-out technologies for species such as rainbow trout and sturgeon has not only opened up a new aquaculture sector, but also improved livelihoods for people in highland and northern mountainous regions, including many ethnic minority communities, thereby contributing to social welfare,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lua emphasized.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lua added that the Institute has successfully researched and applied advanced technologies such as biofloc, copefloc, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in the nursing and farming of key species including tilapia, cold-water fish, and pangasius.

More recently, through both domestic and international research programs, the Institute has also mastered offshore cage farming technologies, including industrial-scale HDPE cage systems, and has initially achieved success in cultivating marine algae strains using tissue culture techniques.

In the fields of biotechnology, feed, environmental management, and aquatic animal health, the Institute annually implements environmental monitoring programs in key and concentrated farming areas, directly supporting production management and decision-making.

The Institute has also been collaborating on research to identify pathogens and causes of major and emerging diseases in aquaculture species, thereby contributing to the scientific basis for proposing disease prevention and treatment solutions, as well as improving disease warning systems.

For newly introduced aquaculture species, the Institute has implemented nutrition research programs, contributing to the development of farming protocols as well as suitable feed formulations. Notably, it has successfully developed specialized feed formulas for golden pompano, with this technology transferred to TH Group. The Institute has also succeeded in formulating feeds to enhance unsaturated fatty acid content in pangasius diets, helping to reduce feed costs and lower feed conversion ratios (FCR); these results have been transferred to Vinh Hoan Corporation.

In the field of capture fisheries and post-harvest technology, the Institute has successfully developed LED lighting technology applied on ocean purse seine vessels, helping to reduce production costs, save fuel, and cut CO₂ emissions.

In addition, the Institute has designed net meshes that allow juvenile fish to escape and applied hydraulic winch systems to reduce fishing costs. Notably, it has successfully applied nano-technology and slurry ice in the preservation of tuna and squid, while also researching the processing of various value-added seafood products.

Technology as the driving force

Building on the achievements to date, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Lua proposed six key technological orientations for the development of the fisheries sector in the coming period.

First, in the field of selective breeding, it is necessary to continue developing new strains by combining genetic technologies, quantitative breeding, and molecular biology techniques such as genome sequencing and molecular markers. These approaches aim to enhance hybrid vigor in traits such as growth, disease resistance, higher fillet yield, or reduced intramuscular bones. At the same time, such technologies will help shorten breeding cycles, moving toward the goal of achieving 100% self-sufficiency in high-quality seed for key species.

Second, priority should be given to researching and developing new-generation vaccine production technologies, as well as biological and nano-based products, with the aim of establishing aquaculture models that minimize or eliminate antibiotic use.

Third, there should be a strong focus on researching and applying smart feed and nutrition technologies, new raw materials, and advanced nutrition management to develop models that reduce feed costs and improve feed conversion efficiency, thereby enhancing productivity and overall efficiency in aquaculture systems.

Fourth, priority should be given to researching new, green, and automated technologies to develop models that adapt to climate change, as well as advanced systems that reduce environmental impacts and emissions.

Fifth, in capture fisheries, greater emphasis should be placed on developing deep-processing technologies to enhance efficiency, while also building aquaculture models based on the circular economy to increase the value of fisheries products.

In addition, digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) should be promoted in developing fisheries models and governance systems that are transparent, smart, and responsible, in line with global trends.

“Technology is not just a tool, but the lifeblood of Viet Nam’s fisheries sector in the coming period. Mastering biotechnology and digital transformation will be the ‘boost’ that enables the sector not only to overcome international barriers but also to lead the region in export value.

To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen linkages among the three key actors: policymakers, scientists, and businesses. This will help bring science and technology results rapidly into practical production. We must shift from a grant-based mechanism to an ‘order-based’ approach for final science and technology products, with enterprises at the center of innovation,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Lua emphasized.

According to her, digital transformation is not merely about introducing software into production, but about changing governance from experience-based to data-driven. When data on capture, aquaculture, disease, environment, and traceability are interconnected, the fisheries sector can be managed in real time, reducing risks and enhancing credibility in international markets.

“Technology must be embedded in every pond, every vessel, every factory, and every link of Viet Nam’s fisheries value chain,” she stressed.