Development of cold water fish over 20 years: Vietnam has an output of nearly 5,000 tons

A conference was held in Da Lat, Vietnam, to summarize two decades of cold-water fish development, particularly focusing on sturgeon farming. The initiative started in 2006 and has led to the replication of sturgeon breeding technology in Vietnam, positioning the country among the top 10 sturgeon producers globally. The industry has seen impressive growth, with Lam Dong and Lao Cai provinces being the largest producers, contributing significantly to the country's seafood industry and creating local jobs. Despite these achievements, the industry faces challenges such as quality control, underdeveloped potential of cold water sources, and inefficient water use, especially in farming facilities that rely heavily on natural water sources, particularly in the Northwest and Central Highlands provinces.

As of May 2024, only a small fraction of sturgeon production and nursery facilities have complied with legal requirements, and a minimal number of commercial farms have been granted farming codes, highlighting the need for improved regulation and quality control. The consumption of domestically farmed salmon and sturgeon is predominantly in large cities and tourism areas. Despite the challenges, cold-water fish farming provides a means of using water surface areas for aquaculture, generating income, and contributing to national security in remote and border areas. Ongoing efforts are necessary to address the industry's challenges and continue its growth and development.