Fisheries grow steadily thanks to science and technology

Opportunities open up from technological innovation

On October 19, in Bac Ninh, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development organized a national conference on science and technology, innovation and technical advances, and technology in the fisheries sector to introduce new research projects that have the potential to create changes in productivity, quality, and efficiency, and is feasible in application to production. Thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the seafood industry in the direction of enhancing value.

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Dang Thi Lua, Director of the Research Institute For Aquaculture I, said that the fisheries industry has been promoting its advantages, affirming that it is one of the critical industries making a significant contribution to the whole country's economy, enhancing Vietnam's position in the international and regional arenas while playing an essential role in social stability, security protection, and island sovereignty.

"However, it cannot be denied that the fisheries industry has been facing many challenges, such as Raw material prices escalating due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, impacts of climate change, unstable markets, and fierce competition in the international arena. However, along with difficulties, many opportunities open up, such as the development of new technology applications, digital technology in seafood and aquatic product processing, and the community's interest in food safety, environmental protection, and aquatic resources".

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien affirmed that over 70 years, the fisheries industry has gone through many periods, but all have created an impressive sector together. There has never been such a complete system of legal documents as there is today. This legal framework creates a favorable environment and mobilizes resources to develop the industry.

At the same time, the industry has also achieved positive results, maintaining a stable growth rate for many years at 4-5%, accounting for 28.7% of the total value of the entire agricultural industry.

"Total seafood production in 2022 reached more than 9 million tons; Of which exploitation output reached 3.8 million tons, aquaculture reached more than 5.2 million tons. In the first 9 months of 2023, total seafood output reached nearly 6.8 million tons; mining output reached more than 3 million tons, an increase of 0.4%; Farming output reached nearly 3.8 million tons, an increase of 3.6%. As for exports, by the end of September 2023, total seafood export turnover reached US$ 6.67 billion; of course, it is still decreasing, but entering October has started well; orders have increased... Achieving such positive results, it must be affirmed that there is a great contribution of science and technology", the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Selected and created 23 good quality aquatic breeds

According to Mr. Nguyen Huu Ninh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), in 2018-2022, the fisheries industry built 56 technological processes for farming, seed production, and exploitation, preservation, and processing of products are recognized as technical advances. Twenty-three varieties of fish and shrimp have been selected for growth, high survival rate, and good quality. Research and propose solutions to solve disease problems in shrimp and fish; Research and develop food formulas for some farming species such as pangasius, lobster, snails, sea fish...

However, Mr. Ninh said there are still many difficulties and problems in scientific research and technology transfer in the fisheries sector recently. Scientific and technological research is still small and fragmented, not much linked to actual production. There are still few business and private sectors participating in scientific research development. Human resources and research capacity of scientific staff are limited. Autonomy in technology transfer research units is still low, and businesses are not cooperating. Resources have not been exploited and used effectively...

Mr. Ninh also shared the orientation for science and technology development in fisheries in the coming time, such as Research and development of advanced farming technology, saving water and food, and reducing antibiotic use. Continue researching and mastering technology for catfish and brackish water shrimp products. Transferring new technology into production, creating and developing aquatic breeds with improved traits. Promote the construction and development of bio-industry on marine products...

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien said: "In recent times, there has been great interest in science and technology, thanks to which we have had 56 technical advances in 2022-2023, with 23 new varieties... Although the context is difficult, Vietnam's seafood industry still has many potential and advantages. The spirit of professional passion, determination, determination, and perseverance of scientists, managers, and businesses must contribute more and more in science and technology, bringing the fisheries industry to sustainable development."