Training farmers in the Mekong Delta on sustainable aquaculture

The coastlines of Soc Trang and Bac Lieu are characterized by intensive shrimp farming, situated at no more than 0.5 m above sea level. These coastlines are experiencing rapid coastal erosion, up to 20 m annually. The mangrove forests are shrinking, trapped between earth dykes and concrete embankments on one side and rising sea level on the other, a phenomenon known as the “coastal squeeze”. Furthermore, coastal land subsidence driven by groundwater extraction is happening five times faster than the global sea level rise.

The project was designed to expand mangroves behind the dykes. This is to be achieved by integrating mangrove restoration with sustainable aquaculture using RAS and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (RAS-IMTA) in shrimp farms, which saves water and reduces the need for groundwater.

The first training seminar took place on 27 April in Vinh Hau Commune in Bac Lieu with 51 participants. It focused on operating RAS and provided practical guidance practices on farming shrimp, crab, and other aquatic species. RAS technology is an innovative solution, optimizing water and managing environmental condition effectively, thereby increasing productivity, product quality, and reducing disease risk. 

IUCN has supported seven households in Bac Lieu to install and operate RAS. IUCN and aquaculture specialists provided technology transfer, operational training, and practical guidance, tailored to each household’s needs. 

Participants joined the training seminar in Bac Lieu Province © IUCN Viet Nam

The next training seminars were organised with Sub-Department of Fisheries (Sub-DFISH) in Soc Trang on 29 April and on 23 May in Vinh Chau and Cu Lao Dung Districts, respectively, attracting more than 200 participants. Both events included a technical session on Microsporidian disease (EHP) and White Faeces Syndrome (WFS), covering the disease symptoms, etiology, transmission pathways, prevention methods, and treatments. A representative from Soc Trang Sub-DFISH presented provincial aquaculture activities over the past four months, and the implementation plan for the second and third quarters. 

The training concluded with a presentation by IUCN on project progress and an interactive discussion session. At the training in Cu Lao Dung, GIZ shared their experience. Both the IUCN and GIZ are implementing RAS models in Soc Trang and it was recommended that the two organisations collaborate to scale up this approach. 

RAS model diagram © IUCN Viet Nam