Fisheries continue to be a key economic sector

With its unique geographical location as the southernmost region of the country, Ca Mau possesses a long coastline and many large river mouths leading to the sea, opening up great potential for the exploitation, farming and processing of aquatic products for export. In particular, after the merger of the two provinces of Ca Mau and Bac Lieu, it will create a large space for the development of the aquatic economy.

• Launching the co-management project to protect aquatic resources in Tran Van Thoi
• Co-management and protection of aquatic resources
• Choose aquaculture as a breakthrough

For a long time, Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces have stood out as two "giants" in the aquaculture and seafood processing industry, with their own strengths, contributing greatly to export turnover and the economic development of the region and the whole country.

Mr. Chau Cong Bang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said: "Ca Mau province has the largest farming area in the country, up to more than 280,000 hectares, a unique geographical location, bordering the sea, with a dense system of canals and rich mangrove forests, creating ideal conditions for the development of intensive, super-intensive, improved extensive and combined extensive shrimp farming models. In particular, ecological shrimp farming models, shrimp - rice, shrimp - forest are increasingly being replicated in terms of area. This method not only brings high economic efficiency to farmers but also contributes to environmental protection, maintaining the mangrove ecosystem which is the "green lung" of the region. Shrimp raised according to these standards are often of superior quality, favored by the international market, thereby increasing the value of the product. In addition, Ca Mau also strongly develops other farming objects such as: crab, grouper, blood cockles, diversifying aquatic products of the province".

The model of raising giant freshwater prawns in rice fields is attracting the attention of many farmers.

According to a report from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the total output of aquaculture and fisheries in 2024 will reach 647 thousand tons, including 252 thousand tons of shrimp; export turnover will reach nearly 1.2 billion USD. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, the total output of aquaculture and fisheries is estimated at 338,290 tons, up 3.7% over the same period, including 131,427 tons of shrimp, up 3.9% over the same period.

Harvesting green prawns.

According to Mr. Chau Cong Bang: "The seafood processing industry for export in Ca Mau has made great strides, with many large enterprises, modern technology, meeting strict international standards. Currently, the province has 41 large-scale seafood processing factories, applying modern technology, meeting strict international quality standards such as: HACCP, BRC, ASC, GlobalGAP. Ca Mau's frozen and deeply processed shrimp, crab, fish products are present in many demanding markets such as: USA, EU, Japan, Korea, China and many other countries. Seafood export turnover in the first 6 months of 2025 is estimated at 551.8 million USD, equal to 59.6% of the plan, up 20.8% over the same period. This growth comes not only from market expansion but also from continuous technology improvement, product quality improvement and product diversification. Processing enterprises also focus on creating "to produce value-added products to meet the growing needs of global consumers."

Along with farming, many seafood processing factories for export are constantly investing in modern equipment, focusing on deep processing, creating added value.

Located next to Ca Mau, Bac Lieu is also a "big guy" in the aquaculture industry, with a shrimp farming area of ​​over 145,000 hectares, especially the high-tech shrimp farming model in greenhouses is developing strongly, with productivity and output constantly increasing. These models not only bring high economic efficiency but also contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development in the face of climate change.

In particular, Bac Lieu is considered the "cradle" of the country's high-tech shrimp seed production industry. With hundreds of seed production facilities, the province provides high-quality, disease-free seed sources for the Mekong Delta and other provinces. The application of biotechnology and genetic technology in shrimp seed production helps improve productivity and resilience of farmed shrimp.

Shrimp seed production is receiving attention from businesses for investment in expanding both scale and area.

To continue to promote its strengths after the merger, the province focuses on developing the value chain from farming to processing and consumption, ensuring traceability, improving product quality and reputation. The application of science and technology to the production process, from breeds, feed, disease management to post-harvest processing technology, is a key factor to increase productivity and economic efficiency. The province encourages businesses to invest in research and development, creating new products to meet diverse market tastes. At the same time, the close connection between the State, scientists, businesses and farmers will create a combined strength, helping the Ca Mau aquaculture industry develop firmly and sustainably in the future.

With a solid foundation and clear development orientation, the aquaculture and seafood processing industry will continue to be the main driving force for the new Ca Mau economy to grow strongly, affirming its position as one of the leading seafood centers of Vietnam and the region./.

Central Peak

Source: https://baocamau.vn/thuy-san-tiep-tuc-la-nganh-kinh-te-mui-nhon-a39934.html