Farmers check their lobsters in Tho Quang Commune in the central city of Da Nang's Son Tra District. Photo: VNASustainable lobster farming across the central region was the focus of a seminar held in Nha Trang city, the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on August 16.
Fifty participating scientists shared their research studies on state management, markets, diseases and breeding sources, among others.
According to the Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), caged lobster farming has thrived along the south central coast since 2000 with a total of more than 53,000 cages and an annual yield of nearly 1,600 tonnes. Leading the region, Khanh Hoa is home to about 28,500 cages and its production exceeds 880 tonnes each year.
However, issues such as the small-scale, spontaneous animal breeding and uncontrolled diseases in some localities are creating difficulties for the sector and negatively affecting the surrounding environment. Lobster prices are declining as the products are primarily consumed domestically or exported to China.
Pham Khanh Ly, Deputy Head of the MARD’s Aquaculture Department, said advanced technology is essential to boost yield and reduce environmental damage.
Concerning lobster overexploitation, Head of the Institute of Oceanography Vo Si Tuan proposed establishing marine sanctuaries to help the species reproduce.
A representative from the Phu Yen Centre for Breeding and Aquaculture Techniques said it is necessary to set up an organisation to protect the rights of lobster producers.-VNA
