Striped catfish farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: a tumultuous path to a global success

Abstract

The striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) (Sauvage), also referred to as tra catfish or sutchi catfish, farming sector is an icon of aquaculture development in Vietnam and globally. Over a decade it has developed from a humble backyard operation to one that currently accounts for the production of over one million tonnes, employing over 180 000 rural poor, and generating an export income exceeding US$ 1.4 billion (2010). It accounts for the highest average production, ranging from 200 to 400 t ha )1 crop, ever recorded for the primary production sector. The system is integrated and incorporates seed production, fry to fingerling rearing and grow-out, and is concentrated in a few provinces in the Mekong Delta (8°33¢-10°55¢N, 104°30¢-106°50¢E), along two branches of the Mekong River. In essence, perhaps, the initial trade restrictions on catfish exports to the USA provided the impetus and then the associated developments from 2002 to 2005 of the sector to a great extent in seeking new markets. The explosion of tra catfish farming has resulted in many competitive sectors challenging this 'tra catfish' invasion into a globalized market. These confrontations still exist with many instances of attempts to discredit the sector and discourage international consumers. However, the Vietnamese catfish sector is resilient and has managed to withstand such pressures and continues to thrive. This paper reviews the development of catfish farming in the Mekong Delta, its current status and what is required to sustain it as a major food source and livelihood provider.

Sustainable farming practices of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) around Hongze Lake, lower Yangtze River Basin, China

“…Therefore, mitten crab farms around Hongze Lake can be categorized as smallholdings that are clustered together in an area conducive for farming. These observations are in accordance with most other aquatic animal farming sectors in Asia, such as for example shrimp farming in Southeast Asia (Kongkeo 1997), the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man) farming in Bangladesh (Wahab et al 2012), and striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) farming in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam (Phan et al 2009;De Silva and Phuong 2011).…”

Simulated Impacts of Climate Change on Current Farming Locations of Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus; Sauvage) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

“…In the Mekong Delta, striped catfish farms of coastal provinces (Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang) cover approximate 864 ha with a production of 190 000 tonnes, which accounts for 26 % of the total catfish farming area in the Delta and contributed 20 % to the striped catfish production in 2013 (Directorate of Fisheries 2013). These farms experience currently minor salinity variations depending on tidal amplitude (De Silva and Nguyen 2011). Farmers do not stock fingerlings in months with high salinity, and thus their window for farming is reduced.…”

“…This strategy was further elaborated by De Silva and Nguyen (2011) suggesting that the use of genomic selection technology would help to speed up the process by improving accuracies of selection (Meuwissen et al 2001). This technology, widely applied in livestock and crop selection (Goddard and Hayes 2009), was recently attempted in aquatic species, such as for salmon.…”

“…1) accounts for approximately 60 % of Vietnam's overall aquaculture production (Anonymus 2011). Processed catfish, mainly in the form of filet, was exported to over 100 countries and was valued at 1.4 billion US$ in 2010 (De Silva and Nguyen 2011). The sector provides employment for more than 170 000 workers (De Silva et al 2010) and includes both small-scale farmer managed holdings that deliver their produce to processing companies, and fully integrated companies which own feed-mills, ponds, and processing facilities.…”

“…The floods from the rainy season (May-November), and the salt intrusion from the dry season (March-April) are important criteria of suitable locations for striped catfish farming. In particular, salinity concentrations higher than 4 % are deemed unsuitable for striped catfish farming (Department of Aquaculture 2008; De Silva and Nguyen 2011). Besides the seasonal impact on hydrological regimes, the projected impacts of climate change should be considered.…”