Shrimp Culture in Vietnam
Fishery production reached 1.07 million tonnes in 1991, of which 60,722 tonnes were exported for US$252 million. The large inventory of exported seafood products included 23,300 tons of frozen shrimp. In Vietnam, coastal aquaculture production contributed only 16.2% of the total annual aquaculture prudction in 1989, compared to 54% of that in Asia and the Pacific, and 52% in the rest of the world.
When dealing with their large shrimp industry the Vietnamese must remain aware of the environmental consequences that have accompanied over-intensification in other countries. A remarkable increase in shrimp production could be achieved by using the semi-intensive system, which requires sufficient hatchery-produced postlarvae, input of supplementary feed and proper water quality management.
Vietnam had about 400,000 ha of mangrove forest in the 1950s which was mainly located in the southern part of the country. By the early 1980s, only 252,500 ha remained. The mangrove area had been greatly reduced by chemical warfare, overexploitation for wood-charcoal-firewood, conversion to agricultural land, shrimp ponds, and residential areas.
Vietnam already practices mangrove-friendly aquaculture: (1) shrimp farming model, (2) mangrove forest model , and (3) mudcrab culture.
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Shrimp prices and industry jobs are under pressure |
In the first, a household is allocated 3 ha for mangrove reforestation, mostly Rhizophora which are planted at 1,000-2,000 trees per ha. Shrimp are cultured using the traditional, extensive method (no stocking of fry, no artificial feeds). In the second, a household is allocated 5 ha for reforestation and shrimp farming. Shrimp are stocked at less than 1 fry per m2 in waterways that occupy about 30% of farm area. In the third practice, mudcrab culture is done in mangroves or tidal flats mainly in the Mekong Delta. Crabs are also fattened in ponds, bamboo enclosures, and cages located in river and canal systems. Farmers also raise blood cockle and clam; the seaweed Kappaphycus; Nile tilapia, mullet, milkfish, seabass. Malaysia