Khanh Hoa (VNA) – A workshop on sustainablelobster farming took place in Nha Trang city, the central coastal province ofKhanh Hoa on April 13, bringing together policymakers, researchers, businessrepresentatives and farmers from central provinces of Quang Ngai, Phu Yen,Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan.

The attendees focused their discussion on lobsterfarming-related policies, post-disaster support for the aquaculture industry,new lobster farming techniques and how to prevent the spread of diseases onlobsters.

According to the Directorate of Fisheries, the number oflobster cages in Vietnam rose from 49,000 in 2010 to 83,000 in 2017. Thecountry’s lobster output was estimated at about 1,530 tonnes last year, mostlyfrom Khanh Hoa (984 tonnes) and Phu Yen (500 tonnes). However, lobster pricefell from 2.5 million VND (110 USD) in 2014 to 1.6 million VND (70.4 USD) thisyear.

Speaking at the event, Tran Cong Khoi from theDirectorate of Fisheries said the unsustainable development of lobster farmingwill result in a low and unstable yield. Despite high economic value, thesector faces many challenges in planning and management, he noted, adding that theincrease in the density of lobster cages and the expansion of lobster farming intourist and industrial areas are among the sector’s problems.

He also named other issues like old and non-ecofriendlyfarming practices and lack of links between farmers and traders.

Khanh Hoa is home to over 40,000 lobster cages whileQuang Ngai has started breeding lobsters in recent years with about 400 cagesover an area of 2,000 sq.m.

Phu Yen is one of the biggest lobster breeders in Vietnamand the success of the lobster industry here has helped improve incomes oflocal farmers.-VNA