Advanced mariculture – an inevitable trend: [3] Policy-driven momentum

Support from the community

The Prime Minister issued Decision No. 231 on January 24, 2025, authorizing the pilot scheme for high-tech mariculture development in Khanh Hoa, according to Mr. Dinh Van Thieu, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee. The objective of this initiative is to revolutionize marine aquaculture in the province by enhancing productivity and value, generating employment opportunities, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting high-quality seafood exports that satisfy both domestic and international market demands.

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Advanced mariculture – an inevitable trend: [1] Moving offshore

Advanced mariculture – an inevitable trend: [2] Outstanding results

The project also correlates with sustainable development objectives by safeguarding the marine environment and relocating aquaculture operations offshore, between three and six nautical miles, to mitigate environmental stress on nearshore areas and prevent spatial conflicts with other economic activities.

The pilot aims to produce over 3,600 tonnes of seafood within a three-nautical-mile area through 240 hectares of high-tech mariculture, and an additional 200 hectares between three and six nautical miles with an anticipated output of over 5,100 tonnes. The initiative will continue until the conclusion of 2029.

So far, Khanh Hoa has experienced progress that is encouraging. Dam Bay in Nha Trang Bay has successfully integrated HDPE cage clusters with tourism. In the meantime, offshore aquaculture has been introduced for the first time in Hon Noi waters, with cage clusters being deployed 3–6 nautical miles from the shore. These advancements are critical milestones in the pilot program's efforts to achieve its objectives.

Building supportive policies for modern marine farming

The provincial leadership of Khanh Hoa has assigned the Department of Agriculture and Environment the responsibility of developing standards and classifications for fish cages that are based on regional conditions, agricultural scale, and storm resistance. These criteria will determine the appropriate level of high-tech systems to implement in various agricultural regions.

The department is also in the process of formulating proposals for the provincial People's Council to implement policies that would provide risk insurance for marine species and accident insurance for personnel on cages and aquaculture vessels. Furthermore, it is seeking financial assistance to facilitate the transition from conventional enclosures to contemporary materials.

Processing and distribution enterprises will serve as primary coordinators, with production restructuring centered on value chains that encompass broodstock and feed, cage materials, farming, processing, and sales. Additionally, the province intends to implement environmental protection measures, safeguard marine ecosystems, and invest in infrastructure, such as mooring systems for offshore farms, boundary light, and navigation buoys.

The Van Phong Economic Zone Authority, Department of Industry and Trade, and Department of Finance have been tasked with attracting substantial private and corporate investment. The primary focus is on vertically integrated models that encompass hatchery, feed production, farming, and commerce.

Khanh Hoa advocates for the implementation of cutting-edge technologies by hatchery enterprises to ensure a supply of better juveniles for commercial farming. Local producers are also encouraged to invest in new-generation cages and support technologies to enhance efficiency and yields.

Ninh Thuan province is leveraging its coastal advantages by implementing the Government's and Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's strategies for the development of mariculture. By 2030, the province intends to establish over 2,000 hectares of mariculture zones in Ninh Hai district's sectors C1 and C2—742 hectares in C1 and 1,301 hectares in C2. The emphasis will be on environmentally responsible practices and advanced technologies.

Ninh Thuan will capitalize on the Government's Decision No.1408 (dated August 16, 2021) regarding the national marine processing development plan (2021–2030) in order to attract investment. To broaden marine market access, it will incorporate mariculture promotion into the province's larger trade promotion programmes.

In addition, the province intends to enhance the infrastructure of designated farming zones, teach a competent workforce, and transfer technology. Furthermore, Ninh Thuan is implementing preferential credit schemes to assist farmers in the transition from conventional cages to high-tech systems, including HDPE cages.

Vietnam's coastal provinces are establishing a solid foundation for transforming mariculture into a sustainable, high-value, and export-oriented economic sector by implementing a clear strategic orientation and robust policy support.