Lam Dong solidifies its sturgeon brand

In Lam Dong’s aquaculture landscape, sturgeon has emerged as a key commodity with high market value. It not only provides stable livelihoods but also strengthens the province’s reputation nationwide. Thanks to favorable natural conditions and sound sectoral planning, sturgeon farming in Lam Dong has grown rapidly, becoming a highlight of the province’s agricultural economy.

Taking advantage of coldwater resources

Abundant cold-water reserves, stable temperatures, and large hydropower reservoirs provide ideal conditions for Lam Dong to expand coldwater fish farming, especially sturgeon. From a few small, fragmented models, the province now supports approximately 107 ha of sturgeon farms, using diverse methods such as cage farming in hydropower reservoirs, farming in cement tanks, or earthen ponds.

According to the Sub-department of Fisheries and Islands (Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment), in the first nine months of 2025, commercial sturgeon output reached an estimated 1,580 tons. For the full year, production is projected at 2,300 tons with an estimated value of over VND 450 billion, contributing significantly to total aquaculture output.

Sturgeon enjoys strong domestic demand and holds export potential thanks to its flavorful, nutrient-rich meat and diverse processing options. Consumption of coldwater fish, particularly sturgeon and salmon, continues to rise in major cities as well as high-end hotel and restaurant segments. In addition to fresh fish, early processed products such as fillets and caviar are already available.

Thai Thi Ngoc Tran, Head of the Lam Dong Sub-department of Fisheries and Islands, noted that sturgeon farming in the province has moved beyond fragmented production to become an organized industry. Many farmers have joined value chain partnerships covering broodstock, processing, and distribution. These linkages help enhance product value, reduce risks, and secure a stable market presence.

Lam Dong currently has around 120 intensive and semi-intensive coldwater fish facilities, concentrated mainly in Lac Duong; Dam Rong 1, 2, 3, 4; Bao Thuan (former Di Linh district); Bao Lam 4, 5 (former Bao Lam district); and the wards of Xuan Huong and Lang Biang (Dalat).

The province identifies coldwater fish as a strategic, high-potential product and plans to invest more intensively to build high-value-added industry chains, enhancing competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

Lam Dong also urges relevant departments and localities to continue supporting organizations and individuals in coldwater fish farming, accelerate certification processes, and create favorable legal and technical conditions for enterprises to research broodstock, invest in infrastructure, and fully utilize natural advantages to develop sustainable coldwater fish farming.

Proactive broodstock production for stable supply

Alongside commercial farming, Lam Dong places special emphasis on sturgeon fry production, an essential factor for sustainable industry growth. Statistics show that the province is estimated to have produced 4.25 million sturgeon fry in the first nine months of 2025, with full-year output projected at 5.1 million.

Lam Dong currently has seven coldwater fish broodstock and fry-rearing facilities, including Da Lat Caviar Co., Ltd.; Viet Duc Co., Ltd.; Phi Huynh One-Member Co., Ltd.; Giang Ly Joint Stock Company; Huynh Ngoc Thu facility; the Central Highlands Cold-water Fish Research Station (under the National Center for Freshwater Aquaculture Seed - Research Institute for Aquaculture No. III); and Vietnam Sturgeon One-Member Co., Ltd.

These facilities intensify production in late Q1 and early Q2 to supply fish farmers at the start of the rainy season - the optimal stocking period. Thanks to strict control of production conditions and quality, Lam Dong’s sturgeon fry are increasingly valued for their health, adaptability, and high productivity. This helps the province reduce dependence on external sources, minimize disease risks, and strengthen its domestic sturgeon brand.

Notably, through a project applying technology for breeding Russian and Siberian sturgeon—implemented by the Lam Dong Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with research units and enterprises, experts from the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. III directly oversee key breeding processes, including broodstock management, selection, gamete collection, artificial fertilization, larval rearing, and fry nursing. This greatly enhances Lam Dong’s ability to produce high-quality local broodstock.

According to the National Center for Freshwater Aquaculture in Central Vietnam (Research Institute for Aquaculture Region III), sturgeon fry production technologies have now been widely adopted, meeting 20% of national demand. The figure is expected to rise to 60 - 70% in the coming years as broodstock populations at research centers and enterprises reach reproductive maturity.

* USD 1 = VND 26,142 (Source: Vietcombank)