Strict handling of aquaculture not following planning

Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has just assigned the Department of MARD to preside and coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Van Phong Economic Zone Management Board, People's Committees of coastal districts, towns, cities and relevant agencies and units to urgently inspect, review, arrange and rectify the situation of widespread aquaculture with high densities. They also received instruction to identify and compile statistics on the number of farming households inside and outside the province to take measures to organize and manage aquaculture according to regulations.

This move of the Provincial People's Committee aims to implement the conclusion of the Permanent Deputy Secretary in Notice No. 789 dated November 13, 2023, of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee on having solutions to handle, arrange and rectify the situation of widespread aquaculture at high density and not following plan. This development trend of aquaculture causes damage to environment beauty, environmental pollution, the risk of spreading diseases, and hinders ships and boats from circulating at sea.

The Provincial People's Committee requested the Khanh Hoa Department of MARD to report on the results of implementing the Provincial People's Committee's instructions in Official Dispatch No. 11532 dated November 6, 2023, on inspecting, reviewing and handling aquaculture that does not follow the planning of farming areas before November 30.

It is known that Van Phong, Van Ninh district is one of the deep-water bays with a large water surface and favourable environment and climate for aquaculture farming development. Therefore, the province has formed a key marine farming area in Khanh Hoa, with the main farm objects including lobsters and sea fish.

However, in recent times, marine farming in Khanh Hoa province in general and Van Ninh district in particular has been mainly spontaneous. Currently, the locality has not yet assigned sea areas or leased sea areas to farmers. This makes it difficult to issue a certificate of registration for cage aquaculture, as well as help farmers feel secure in production.

On the other hand, currently, people operate aquaculture in cages on Van Phong Bay according to the temporary planning in Decision 5321 of the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province. Accordingly, there are 4 permitted farming areas with a total area of 350 ha.​​​​ ​