Can Tho releases 3 million seed shrimp for aquatic resources

In order to restore aquatic resources and in response to the 67th anniversary of the Viet Nam Fisheries Sector Traditional Day, on the morning of April 1, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, in coordination with the People’s Committee of Tran De commune and the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha of the city, organized the release of 3 million seed shrimp and the return to the sea of one hawksbill turtle caught by a local resident in the Tran De coastal area.

Mr Tran Chi Hung - Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City - noted that after 67 years of development, Viet Nam’s fisheries sector has continuously grown, affirming its role as one of the key economic sectors, making important contributions to economic growth and helping position Viet Nam as one of the world’s leading seafood exporters.

In particular, Can Tho’s fisheries sector has made significant contributions to the overall development of the industry. In 2025, the city ranked among the top five localities nationwide in seafood exports, with total export turnover exceeding $2.1 billion. Total aquaculture and capture output reached more than 780,000 tons.

The release of aquatic species not only contributes to replenishing and restoring natural resources and maintaining ecological balance but also reflects the responsibility of society in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Mr Hung stressed that Can Tho clearly identifies the protection and restoration of aquatic resources as a key, long-term and vital task in its sustainable development strategy. He called on all levels, sectors and localities to strengthen management and protection efforts, while enhancing patrols, inspections and strictly handling destructive fishing practices, eliminating the use of prohibited fishing gear and illegal exploitation.

Regarding the implementation of IUU fishing regulations, he emphasized the need to strictly prevent violations to safeguard national reputation and ensure sustainable fisheries development. He also highlighted the importance of shifting development models toward reducing capture fishing and increasing high-tech, ecological and circular aquaculture adapted to climate change, thereby enhancing added value.

Mr. Tran Chi Hung also called on organizations, businesses, scientists, monks and Buddhist followers to continue supporting the city’s stocking activities. Each fisherman should act as a “guardian of the sea,” and each community as a “fortress” protecting aquatic resources.

According to Ms. Quach Thi Thanh Binh - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, the sector has regularly coordinated with agencies, organizations and local authorities in restoring, conserving and developing aquatic resources. In 2025, following administrative restructuring, the department organized multiple stocking campaigns, releasing an average of more than 10 million native aquatic species annually.

For 2026 and the coming years, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has launched a movement encouraging all citizens, especially fishermen, to strictly comply with fisheries regulations. Communities are urged to jointly monitor, report violations and participate in protecting resources, avoiding destructive fishing methods such as electric shocks, explosives and toxic substances.

At the same time, the department will strengthen the enforcement of regulations on aquatic resource protection associated with combating IUU fishing, considering it an urgent and decisive task for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and the country’s reputation.

Mr. Tran Chi Hung called on individuals, organizations and businesses to continue accompanying and properly implementing stocking activities, protecting breeding and nursery areas of aquatic species, and promoting the application of science and technology in developing safe and sustainable aquaculture.