Hoa Binh Lake water level drops to record low, fish cage farmers in trouble

The low water level of Hoa Binh Lake has affected fish cage farmers in Tup hamlet, Tien Phong commune (Da Bac).

Mr. Doan Viet Thanh in Sang Bo hamlet, Vay Nua commune (Da Bac) is worried about his 6 fish cages when the water level of Hoa Binh lake has dropped more than in previous years.

Record low water level, fish cage farmers in trouble

According to information from the authorities, as of June 9, 2025, the water level in the upstream area of Hoa Binh Lake was only 85 m, about 20 m lower than the same period in 2024 and previous years. The main reason is that Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant lowered the water level to break the embankment to serve the construction of 2 turbines of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant expansion project. At the same time, Son La Hydropower Plant is also regulating water for Hoa Binh Lake, so it only releases water sparingly to coordinate with the construction of the embankment of the project. Water regulation depends entirely on natural rainfall and discharge from the upstream of Son La Hydropower Plant.

Currently, the sudden drop in water level has caused the lake bed to narrow significantly. In many places, the water is shallow and deep, seriously affecting production activities, especially the fish cage farming of thousands of households along the lake. In particular, Vay Nua commune (Da Bac) is one of the most severely affected localities. There are currently 586 fish cages being raised here, of which 474 cages belong to households and 112 cages belong to enterprises. Mr. Xa Van Si, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: The water level in the lake bed has dropped by tens of meters, directly affecting the fish cage farming activities of the people. Some fish cages have begun to show signs of sporadic fish deaths, especially in areas with shallow, turbid water and lack of oxygen.

Mr. Doan Viet Thanh's family in Sang Bo hamlet, Vay Nua commune currently has 6 cages raising fish such as black catfish, grass carp, and tilapia, but they are not immune to the impact. Although these are fish breeds with good resistance, suitable for the conditions of Hoa Binh lake, in recent weeks, fish have been dying sporadically due to lack of oxygen, sudden temperature changes, and deteriorating water environment. Mr. Thanh lamented: Every day, we have to move the fish cages to deep water to avoid running aground. It is hard work, costly, and we are still worried about the fish dying.

Not only do farmers suffer losses in output, they also have to spend more effort and money to maintain operations. Fish cages that are not moved to deep water in time are at risk of being stranded, damaged or lost.

Like Vay Nua, Tien Phong commune currently has up to 795 fish cages with a variety of breeds such as grass carp, black carp, catfish, catfish, and monosex perch. From a few small households at first, up to now, cage fish farming has expanded significantly, creating livelihoods for hundreds of households. However, according to Mr. Bui Van Hoan, a resident of Tup hamlet: From the beginning of May until now, when the water level in the lake receded much faster and deeper than in previous years, the lake narrowed, the water was cloudy, causing the farmed fish to lack oxygen and die more than usual. Some households here said they had recorded a mass fish death in recent weeks. Last year was also dry, but the water did not recede this quickly. This year, not only are the fish weak, but many cages have had to be temporarily abandoned, not daring to release more breeds for fear of damage.

Long-term solutions needed for "aquacultural economic zones"

Since 2015, aquaculture in Hoa Binh Reservoir has made remarkable progress. According to statistics, the province currently has more than 1,700 households in 17 communes and wards along the lake and 20 enterprises and cooperatives participating in investing in cage fish farming. The total number of fish cages in the reservoir is 4,987, an increase of 2,670 cages compared to 2015. Along with that, the aquaculture area in the reservoir remains stable at about 2,695 hectares, with an output of 10,800 tons in 2024, of which aquaculture alone will reach about 8,550 tons. The locality with the largest number of fish cages is Da Bac district with 2,240 cages. Other districts such as Cao Phong, Mai Chau, and Tan Lac also have about 500 fish cages each.

Cage fish farming not only brings a sustainable source of income but also creates stable jobs for more than 3,000 local workers. The reservoir has gradually become the province's "aquaculture economic zone", making an important contribution to hunger eradication, poverty reduction, and sustainable rural development.

However, in the face of the unusual changes in the water level of Hoa Binh Lake, experts and people all agree that a more fundamental solution is needed to ensure the livelihoods of cage fish farmers. Because of the complete dependence on the regulation of hydroelectric plants and the weather, cage fish farming is always at high risk. Based on the above reality, according to experts, in addition to encouraging people to use technical measures such as aeration and water quality measuring equipment, it is necessary to convert suitable farming models to adapt to shallow water conditions. Preserving each fish cage is also preserving the livelihoods of people in the lake area.