High tech supports disease risk control in aquaculture

Heavy rains have been frequent across Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding coastal districts, creating mounting challenges for aquaculture operations of all sizes. For many farmers, this year’s rainy season has been tough, as the combination of intense heat, sudden downpours, and unpredictable weather patterns has led to sharp, repeated changes in water conditions.

These fluctuations, especially in temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen, create ideal opportunities for harmful pathogens to emerge and spread. As a result, the health and productivity of fish, shrimp, and other aquatic species are placed under significant stress.

Farmers in low-lying and riverine areas feel the impact even more strongly. Hoa, a fish farmer on the Tra Va River (Long Son commune), deeply understands the significance of how water conditions change. “After scorching heat and then sudden rain, the fish get exhausted faster than people do. Rainwater also washes silt and waste from the shore into the river. After every heavy downpour, we have to start up all aerators and adjust the water color immediately. This constant vigilance takes time, labor, and money, yet it remains essential to prevent catastrophe,” she said.

According to Doan Van Nam, Deputy Head of the Aquaculture Management Division under the HCMC Sub-department of Fisheries and Fishery Surveillance, heat stress is one of the biggest contributors to disease outbreaks. When temperatures spike, aquatic species often reduce feeding, weaken physiologically, and lose natural immunity.

“Every abrupt weather shock leads to rapid swings in pH, salinity, and alkalinity,” Nam noted. “These conditions are perfect for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to develop and spread. Without timely intervention, one weather event can trigger a major outbreak.”

In recent years, high-tech aquaculture models have gained traction as an effective solution for stabilizing the farming environment and reducing losses. The Ba Ria - Vung Tau area, which falls under the administrative management of HCMC’s aquaculture authorities, has emerged as a leading hub for these technologies.

This region alone currently hosts 23 organizations and individual farms applying advanced systems across more than 431 hectares. Of these, 21 facilities raise whiteleg shrimp at very high densities, up to 250–500 shrimp per square meter, while still maintaining consistent quality and survival rates. Key technologies include recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), greenhouse structures, lined circular tanks, and closed-loop water-treatment systems.

These systems help shield the water environment from external shocks such as heavy rain, strong sunlight, and contaminated runoff. With better control, farmers can increase the number of crops to three or even four per year, and achieve yields of 30-40 tons per hectare per crop, nearly double those of traditional earthen ponds. More importantly, the risk of disease outbreaks is sharply reduced. “High technology allows us to monitor and control key environmental parameters continuously. Even when the weather changes suddenly, we can adjust conditions in real time. This reduces dependency on personal experience and minimizes human error,” Nam said.

Many cage-culture farmers are also making the shift. Automated aeration systems, water agitators, dissolved oxygen sensors, and pH probes are becoming more affordable and accessible. These tools enable farmers to respond instantly when a parameter deviates from safe levels. Instead of waiting to observe abnormal fish behavior, farmers can now take preventive action hours earlier, significantly reducing mortality risks.

One standout example of successful high-tech adoption is the Quyet Thang Agricultural Cooperative in Ba Ria Ward. The cooperative began its transition in 2019 by constructing greenhouse-based shrimp ponds. It allocated 2,000 square meters for four grow-out ponds and another 7,000 square meters for recirculating and discharge ponds.

During its very first crop cycle using the new system, the cooperative harvested 20 tons of shrimp, equivalent to a productivity level of 100 tons per hectare per crop, far exceeding traditional models. Director Nguyen Kim Chuyen highlighted the difference: “Raising shrimp in greenhouses with recirculating systems gives us much greater control. It reduces disease pressure from the environment, shortens production time, and gives us the flexibility to schedule crops more effectively.”

Across the broader Ba Ria - Vung Tau area, high-tech models now cover about 700 hectares and are operated by both small cooperatives and major companies such as Minh Phu - Loc An, Phuoc Hai, Manh Cuong, and Cho Ben Cooperative. Their success offers strong evidence that well-planned technological investment can stabilize production, reduce operational costs, and protect farmers from the devastating impacts of increasingly volatile weather.

Looking ahead, experts stress that long-term resilience in aquaculture requires systematic investments, not only in infrastructure, but also in high-quality broodstock, farming techniques, and technical training. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, traditional experience alone is no longer sufficient. “If farmers really want to build a sustainable livelihood from shrimp, they must invest properly from the beginning. Diseases and natural disasters are increasing every year. Effective disease control now depends on technology, precision, and strict processes,” said Chuyen.