Aquaculture in Hon Nghe

In An Giang, thanks to its favorable coastal conditions and clean water sources, cage fish farming in Hon Nghe has developed strongly, creating a stable livelihood for the local people.

Raising fish in the open sea.

Amidst the azure waters of Hon Nghe island commune, An Giang province, hundreds of fish cages stretching across the water's surface are becoming a vital source of livelihood for local people. From a small-scale livelihood, cage fish farming here is thriving, contributing to the development of the island's marine economy and increasing the income of dozens of households.

The people of Hon Nghe island commune have developed a thriving industry of raising fish in cages at sea. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

With its advantage of clean seawater and favorable natural conditions, Hon Nghe has long been considered one of the key cage fish farming areas in An Giang province. The entire commune currently has about 90 households engaged in cage fish farming with over 827 cages in regular operation. Although the island's population is only about 600 people, a significant proportion of households are involved in cage fish farming.

The species raised here are quite diverse, including grouper, pearl grouper, star grouper, mouse grouper, yellowfin snapper, etc. In addition to traditional species, some households have also boldly experimented with raising bamboo lobsters to expand their economic development.

Having been involved in marine fish farming for nearly a decade, Ms. Tran Thi Tu Luong, residing in Bai Chuong hamlet, Hon Nghe commune, said that her family currently maintains 6 cages for raising grouper and pearl grouper. Thanks to this profession, the family's economy has gradually stabilized and they have accumulated savings for reinvestment in production.

According to Ms. Luong, on average, after deducting the costs of fingerlings, feed, and labor, the six fish cages yield a profit of approximately 150-200 million VND per year. It can be said that thanks to fish cage farming, many households on the island have achieved a much more prosperous life than before.

Not only Mrs. Luong's family, but also Ms. Nguyen Tu Quyen's family in Hamlet 1, Bai Chuong village, considers cage fish farming as their main source of livelihood. Currently, she has invested in 8 sturdy cages (each cage ranging from 10-30m2) mainly raising pearl grouper and yellowfin snapper.

Hundreds of cages for raising grouper, snapper, and yellowfin tuna stretch along the sea off Hon Nghe Island, forming a key aquaculture area in An Giang province. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

"If the weather is favorable and the disease is well controlled, my family can earn a profit of 200-250 million VND each year. This is our main source of income, helping to stabilize our lives," said Ms. Quyen.

Moving towards professional aquaculture.

Despite its relatively high economic efficiency, cage fish farming in Hon Nghe is facing numerous challenges. The biggest difficulty currently is the increasing scarcity of bait fish, and the sharp rise in feed prices, which significantly increases input costs.

According to local residents, due to rising fuel prices, many fishing boats are limiting their outings, leading to a shortage of bait fish. To adapt, many fish farmers have switched to using industrial feed as a substitute. Initially, this solution has shown many positive signs such as ensuring a reliable feed source, controlling feed rations, reducing excess waste, and minimizing water pollution.

However, the difficulties don't end there. Climate change causes erratic changes in the seawater environment, creating conditions for parasites and diseases to develop. During the season when algae grow abundantly, nets become dirty, and fish are susceptible to gill and skin diseases, causing significant losses if not treated promptly.

Another concern for farmers is the lack of strict control over the quality of breeding stock. Most people still buy breeding stock based on experience and "trust," lacking clear quarantine procedures, thus posing a high risk of disease outbreaks.

Ms. Dinh Hong Nhung, an agricultural extension officer in Hon Nghe commune, said that the professional departments regularly visit the fish farms to provide technical guidance to the people. According to Ms. Nhung, proactively preventing fish diseases plays a crucial role in the context of increasingly unstable weather conditions.

Agricultural extension officers in Hon Nghe commune advise that after 30-35 days of raising the fish, farmers should regularly deworm them, supplement with vitamins and liver-boosting medication to increase the fish's resistance. They should also regularly clean the cages, especially during the algae growth season.

The people of Hon Nghe Island raise fish in cages using industrial feed to ensure a reliable food source, reduce environmental pollution, and improve production efficiency. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

An Giang 's key cage fish farming area .

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Minh, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Hon Nghe commune, grouper and pearl grouper remain the two main farmed species due to their ease of sale and relatively stable prices. However, for cage farming to develop sustainably, a comprehensive strategy is needed, from planning farming areas to linking product consumption.

Mr. Minh believes that it is necessary to strengthen the connection between farmers, businesses, and management agencies to form a sustainable supply chain. Businesses need to participate in product procurement, support with breeding stock, and ensure stable outlets so that people can produce with peace of mind.

In addition, relevant authorities need to support people in accessing floating cage models made of HDPE plastic material to increase durability, minimize damage from waves and wind, and reduce repair costs in the long run.

Cage fish farming in Hon Nghe is opening up a sustainable marine economic development direction, linked with ecotourism and building a local seafood brand. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.

In fact, several households in the locality have been supported in switching to HDPE cage farming models, and this has initially yielded positive results. In addition, the agricultural extension sector is also conducting trials of new farming models to diversify livelihoods for the people.

Mr. Ngo Ngoc Chuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hon Nghe commune, An Giang province, said: "The locality is not only focused on aquaculture and fishing; Hon Nghe also has great potential to combine the development of marine and island ecotourism with the experience of floating village life. This is considered a direction to help increase the value of products, promote the brand of Hon Nghe cage-farmed fish, and expand income sources for local people."

With its natural advantages in the West Sea, cage fish farming in Hon Nghe is opening up many prospects for sustainable marine economic development in the future. However, to ensure this industry continues to thrive, the People's Committee of the commune is currently collaborating with specialized departments and businesses to overcome difficulties regarding breeding stock, techniques, markets, and modern farming infrastructure, thereby promoting the development of marine aquaculture.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/nuoi-bien-o-hon-nghe-d813030.html