Deputy Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries Tran Dinh Luan speaks at the workshop (Photo: VNA)Khanh Hoa (VNA) – Managers,experts and producers of the seaweed business gathered to discuss growthoutlook for the sector at a workshop held by the Directorate of Fisheries in NhaTrang city, the south central province of Khanh Hoa, on March 9.
According to the aquaculture division,Vietnam is home to over 800 seaweed species, with total natural reservesestimated at between 80 and 100 billion tonnes. However, the reserves are decliningdue to over exploitation and environmental pollution.
A representative from the ResearchInstitute for Marine Fisheries said that seaweed harvest must follow rightseasons and techniques to improve yield and protect the sources.
He proposed building seaweed reserves toprotect genetic sources.
As heard at the function, seaweed cultivationin the country span over 10,000 hectares, mostly in northern and centralcoastal areas, and produce more than 101,000 tonnes of fresh seaweed per year.
Participants agreed that there is a need toexpand the farming area spanning the coastal line across Vietnam, applyadvanced technology in seaweed production, and diversify away from currentproducts.
Le Nhut, head of the Dai Duong JSC – acompany majors on seaweed planting, processing and exporting, said the businessbrings in high profit at low risk, but requires strong investment.
He noted that the State should devisepolicies to support farmers in accessing preferential loans and encouragesmall-scale producers to work together, forming supply chains.- VNA
VNA
