Sustainable development of marine fish farming using HDPE cages

Expanding marine aquaculture using HDPE cages

In 2024, the An Giang Agricultural Extension Center implemented three pilot sites for commercial pearl grouper farming using HDPE cages and industrial feed in Phu Quoc Special Zone. Each site covered 192 m³ and was stocked with nearly 3,000 juvenile fish.

Ms. Huynh Tuyet Hanh, a resident of Quarter 3, An Thoi, Phu Quoc Special Zone, was among the three households supported to participate in this model. After more than 10 months of farming, the fish grew well, reaching an average weight of 1.2 kg each, with a survival rate of 89%, and a total harvest of over 3 tons of commercial fish. At the current selling price of about USD 6.7 per kg, Ms. Hanh’s household earned a profit of more than USD 6,000.

Ms. Huynh Tuyet Hanh shared: “Compared to traditional wooden cages, HDPE cages are much more durable and resilient. They can withstand strong waves and are suitable for offshore farming, where water quality is better and fish grow faster. Thanks to the use of industrial feed, the fish are healthier and less prone to disease. If market prices go up, the profits could increase even further. My family feels very secure and optimistic about this new farming approach.”

She added that the most striking difference is the flexibility of HDPE cages — their structure allows them to move with the waves instead of breaking under pressure, significantly reducing damage during stormy seasons. Moreover, switching from trash fish to industrial feed has not only lowered the labor required but also contributed to protecting natural marine resources and reducing plastic waste generated from traditional aquaculture practices.

According to Mr. Danh Nhiet, an officer from the An Giang Agricultural Extension Center in charge of the model, “To effectively implement the province’s marine aquaculture development plan, the Center will expand to nine new HDPE cage farming sites in 2025, with a total volume of about 1,600 cubic meters. Along with scaling up, we will continue organizing technical training for farmers on fish care, disease prevention, and treatment. We also aim to raise awareness among local communities about sustainable aquaculture practices, promote value-chain production, and encourage the use of industrial feed to reduce risks while increasing the quality and value of marine products.”

Up to now, An Giang Province has developed 120 marine fish cages made from HDPE materials, with a total capacity of over 4,700 cubic meters. A variety of species are being farmed, including pearl grouper, cobia, snubnose pompano, and golden trevally. The application of HDPE cage technology has proven effective in helping farmers adapt to harsh marine conditions, reduce environmental impacts, and align with the province’s strategy toward a greener, more sustainable coastal and island economy.

Linking production chains with ecotourism

Moving beyond pilot implementation, in 2025 the An Giang Agricultural Extension Center will collaborate with the National Agricultural Extension Center to establish a model for farming golden trevally using HDPE cages certified under VietGAP standards, with a total capacity of 256 cubic meters. This model aims not only to ensure sustainable and standardized production but also to connect farmers with consumption markets and integrate marine aquaculture with ecotourism activities, thereby creating added value and mutual benefits for both local communities and the regional economy.

With the adoption of VietGAP-certified farming practices, fish farmers can ensure full traceability of their products while expanding market access through modern distribution channels, thereby elevating the brand value of Phu Quoc and An Giang’s aquaculture products.

According to Mr. Danh Nhiet, the development of marine aquaculture using HDPE cages following industrial and VietGAP standards not only helps diversify livelihoods for coastal communities but also aligns with the Government’s strategy for sustainable marine farming. It contributes to reducing pressure on wild fisheries, protecting coastal ecosystems, and reinforcing the role of the blue economy in the development of the Mekong Delta region.

By combining scientific innovation, standardized management, and strong environmental awareness, HDPE cage aquaculture is emerging as a sustainable new direction - enabling coastal and island communities in the western sea region to prosper while conserving marine resources and advancing toward a resilient, sustainable ocean-based economy.