Source: Agriculture and Environment Newspaper – via VASEP.com.vn
While science and technology (S&T) in Vietnam’s fisheries sector has shown encouraging progress in recent years, it remains insufficient to truly drive industry-wide transformation, according to government leaders and experts.
Speaking at a breakout session on livestock, veterinary medicine, fisheries, and fishery surveillance—part of the national conference implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo—Mr. Trần Đình Luân, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, emphasized the critical role of S&T in maintaining Vietnam’s position as one of the world’s top three seafood exporters.
Progress Made, But Still Below Potential
Key products such as shrimp and pangasius have helped secure Vietnam’s seafood export success. In marine aquaculture, some companies now exceed USD 100 million in export value, while tilapia exports reached USD 41 million in 2024. These achievements point to the sector’s strong potential—yet long-term growth will depend heavily on innovation.
Director General Luân noted progress in seed selection, farming protocols, and feed formulation, especially for shrimp, pangasius, and tilapia. 35 new aquatic breeds have been developed, alongside new feed formulas for species like lobster, sweet snail, and marine fish.
Circular and green economy models have been piloted, as well as digital traceability technologies, improved fishing gear, and post-harvest preservation methods. Value-added processing—such as ready-to-eat seafood and surimi—has improved food safety and quality.
Key Challenges: Dependence, Gaps, and Fragmentation
Despite gains, Luân emphasized that S&T is not yet the driving force behind sustainable sector development. Challenges include:
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Low-quality broodstock, with high dependence on foreign genetics
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Poor survival rates in juvenile pangasius
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Limited availability and quality of marine fish, lobster, and mollusk broodstock, still reliant on wild catch
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Shallow processing rate remains low, and by-products are underutilized
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Post-harvest losses remain higher than the global average due to limited understanding of fish behavior and migration
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Few market-oriented studies, fragmented value chain management, and weak policy research
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S&T initiatives remain small-scale and disconnected, with limited enterprise participation
Strategic Focus: Institutions, Human Resources, Infrastructure, Data & Core Technologies
Looking forward, the sector will align with Resolution 57-NQ/TW (December 22, 2024), focusing on five pillars: institutional reform, human capital, infrastructure, data systems, and strategic technologies.
Key targets include:
Aquaculture:
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Long-term R&D on fast-growing, disease-resistant, and climate-adaptive breeds
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Industrial-scale farming for marine species, large-surface freshwater aquaculture (rivers, reservoirs), and seaweed farming & processing
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Epidemiological studies for high-value species
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Expansion of National Product Programs for brackish shrimp, pangasius, and potential marine species
Exploitation & Processing:
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Modernize the offshore fleet via mechanization and smart technologies
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Invest in deep processing: ready-to-eat foods, functional food, and cosmeceutical ingredients
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Apply digital technology in aquaculture, harvesting, surveillance, and processing
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Develop national fisheries databases, including e-logbooks, vessel tracking, and digital enforcement command systems
Sustainability & Adaptation:
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Promote circular economy and green practices
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Strengthen disease control, climate adaptation, and environmental protection across the value chain
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Enhance international cooperation and mobilize strategic tech transfer projects
Vietnam’s fisheries sector is entering a pivotal phase. To retain its global export position and unlock long-term sustainability, the country must rapidly shift from resource-driven growth to technology-driven innovation.