Khanh Hoa tackles biosecurity gaps in shrimp breeding

Improving infrastructure and protecting coastal water sources

Following the administrative restructuring that took effect on July 1, 2025, Khanh Hoa Province continues to leverage its strong marine economy potential, supported by a 491-kilometer coastline. The province is home to major bays such as Van Phong, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, and Vinh Hy, offering expansive development space and diverse marine ecosystems

The southern coastal region of Khanh Hoa also benefits from a unique upwelling phenomenon, where warm and cold ocean currents converge. Combined with self-cleaning coral reef systems, this creates high-quality water conditions that are particularly suitable for aquatic breed production.

According to the provincial Sub-Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Khanh Hoa currently has around 450 shrimp hatcheries and nurseries in operation, supplying more than 45 billion post-larvae annually, accounting for 25% to 30% of the country’s total shrimp breed output.

However, this rapid development has also brought significant environmental challenges. Le Van Que, Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Aquatic Breed Association, pointed out a major issue: “The biggest challenge for high-tech hatcheries today is the risk of cross-contamination of pathogens. In some areas, people still farm spotted babylon snails or set up spontaneous fish cages near water intake zones for hatcheries. This puts enormous pressure on water treatment systems and directly threatens biosecurity.”

He emphasized that resolving this bottleneck is critical to protecting the reputation and brand of Khanh Hoa shrimp breed.

To address the issue, the association has proposed decisive measures for sustainable planning. In line with Decision 19/2025/QD-UBND, the province should relocate aquaculture cages away from water intake areas of centralized hatchery zones.

“For the 2026 to 2030 period, the agriculture and environment sector should coordinate with relevant agencies to complete infrastructure in key concentrated production areas such as An Hai (168 hectares) and Nhon Hai (130 hectares). These projects must include dedicated power systems, transportation networks, and especially separate water supply and drainage channels to prevent cross-contamination. With clean land and stable long-term planning of 20 to 30 years, businesses will be confident enough to invest hundreds of billions of dong in advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS),” Que said.

Data transparency and collective certification branding

In the strategy to enhance the value of the shrimp breed, building trust through quality transparency is essential.

“We are working with authorities to develop a collective certification label ‘Khanh Hoa Shrimp Breed’. This is not just a name, but a commitment to quality,” Que shared.

To obtain this certification, producers must meet strict standards in accordance with the Fisheries Law and Decree 41/2026/ND-CP.

Leading companies such as Tuan Ha and Newway have already invested in electronic logbooks and QR code systems for each batch of shrimp breed.

Pham Duc Hanh, Production Director of Tuan Ha Aquatic Breed Company, explained that shrimp farmers in the Mekong Delta can simply scan a QR code on the packaging to access detailed information, including production dates, broodstock origin, and the latest disease testing results. This level of transparency serves as a “passport” for Khanh Hoa shrimp breed to dominate the market.

In 2025 alone, Tuan Ha supplied 2.5 billion high-quality shrimp breed, with 70% going to the Mekong Delta. Notably, despite rising costs for technology investment and imported broodstock, the company has maintained a stable price of VND 128 per unit for the past three years to support farmers nationwide.

Looking ahead to 2030, under the marine economic development plan, Le Dinh Khiem, Director of the Sub-Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, stated that Khanh Hoa aims to maintain and strengthen its position as the country’s leading shrimp breed production hub, contributing approximately 30% to 35% of the national market share.

With a well-developed logistics system, including Cam Ranh International Airport and deep-water seaports, Khanh Hoa’s shrimp breed industry is not only serving the domestic market but is also confidently expanding into demanding Southeast Asian markets.

The synergy between enterprise-driven technological innovation, scientific efforts toward broodstock self-sufficiency, and government-led green planning will enable Khanh Hoa’s shrimp breed industry to grow sustainably and contribute significantly to Vietnam’s seafood export value.

* USD 1 = VND 26,358 - Source: Vietcombank.