Applying AI in aquaculture: Knowledge revolution in the fisheries sector

Within the framework of the first National Conference on Fisheries Science and Technology and Fisheries Surveillance in 2026, held on April 28 in Ho Chi Minh City, a total of 29 scientific reports were presented, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of science and technology in the fisheries and fisheries surveillance sectors.

On behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Dr. Nguyen Van Long, Director General of the Department of Science and Technology, acknowledged the strong interest, dedication, and high sense of responsibility demonstrated by scientists, research institutions, managers, businesses, industry associations, and representatives of localities.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Long, this conference holds significant and necessary importance for the agriculture and environment sector, particularly in fisheries and fisheries surveillance. Based on the reports presented, MAE will review and synthesize to report to its leadership, thereby immediately implementing necessary tasks in the coming period.

According to the Director General, one of the key issues emphasized at the conference was seed production. The delegates agreed on the need to maintain, develop, and further invest in aquatic seed, including both freshwater and marine species. This is a long-term field, where some species require decades of research to achieve results.

Research on seed cannot rely on a few units but requires the participation of agencies under MAE, central and local authorities, academies, and entities under the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as businesses and scientists.

In addition to seed development, the fisheries sector also needs to gain mastery over input materials and environmental treatment solutions. These are strategic issues aligned with the implementation of Resolution 57 on the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Dr. Nguyen Van Long noted that MAE has reported to Party and State leaders on its strategic focus on seed technology, input material production, and environmental treatment. Among strategic technologies, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are the three top priority sectors.

Digital transformation has also been identified as a key task. This transformation must be comprehensive, spanning from research to production and from monitoring and warning to environmental observation.

Currently, the Ministry has assigned the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance to chair the development of the sector’s database. By 2026, the agriculture and environment sector’s database system is expected to be largely completed, serving thorough data sharing and utilization from central authorities to citizens, while also being connected with other ministries, including the Ministry of Public Security.

Drawing on insights from a working trip to China, Dr. Nguyen Van Long noted that the country has strongly applied artificial intelligence (AI) in aquaculture. Even small-sized shrimp are monitored daily by AI to track growth, detect environmental fluctuations in a timely manner, and recommend solutions. This is a direction Viet Nam needs to prioritize in the coming period.

Dr. Long further emphasized that technology transfer into production and commercialization, linked with agricultural extension services, is also a key focus. Although notable achievements have been made in recent years, the sector still needs to innovate its transfer methods to make them more suitable and effective.

Regarding administrative reform, many delegates highlighted shortcomings in management, such as regulations on broodstock exploitation periods and several procedures related to seed production and aquaculture. Dr. Nguyen Van Long stated that the Ministry has acknowledged these recommendations and will continue reviewing and addressing them.

To effectively implement Resolution 57, MAE has identified the need to strengthen linkages among three parties, including managers, scientists, and businesses. Of which, enterprises play a leading, pioneering, and decisive role in implementing, adopting, and commercializing research outcomes.

In terms of mechanisms, following Resolution 57 of the Politburo, additional legal frameworks have been introduced, including Resolution 193 of the National Assembly, the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Decree 180 guiding public-private partnerships in science and technology.

"The key issue now is implementation and addressing emerging bottlenecks. MAE looks forward to receiving specific proposals from scientists, businesses, and relevant stakeholders to integrate into annual plans, as well as to support the development of the 2026–2030 long-term plan. The Ministry is currently developing three specialized science and technology programs for shrimp, pangasius, and marine aquaculture," Dr. Long said.

In the area of harvesting and processing, the conference also agreed that many aspects still require improvement to enhance the efficiency of seafood processing. This is a crucial stage for increasing added value, expanding markets, and improving the sector's competitiveness.

Dr. Nguyen Van Long stressed that upcoming science and technology tasks must clearly define their outputs. Research results should serve management, direction, and administration at both ministerial and local levels, be applied in production, or generate new products with commercialization potential.

To ensure effective implementation, the close linkage among the three parties must be demonstrated. In this linkage, the manager is the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, which understands the sector’s development requirements; scientists include research institutes and universities both within and outside the Ministry; and businesses are the key actors directly involved in adopting research results and bringing them into production and commercialization.

Director General of the Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Long expressed his expectation that the outcomes of the conference will soon be translated into concrete science and technology tasks, contributing to the development of a modern, efficient, and sustainable fisheries and fisheries surveillance sector and enhancing its competitiveness in international markets.