Raising sturgeon in earthen ponds

Sturgeon, a famous cold-water fish of the highlands, are typically raised in upstream spring waters and large hydroelectric reservoirs, ensuring low temperatures and clean water. However, a successful model for raising sturgeon in earthen ponds has been tested, and farmers are now being sought to transfer this low-cost cold-water fish farming model.

Siberian sturgeon thrive in earthen ponds.

Mr. Le Van Dieu, Deputy Director of the National Center for Freshwater Aquaculture in Central Vietnam, said that since March 2023, the Center has been implementing a sturgeon farming model in earthen ponds. This project was undertaken at the request of Duc Trong district. Mr. Dieu shared that, unlike the common cold-water fish farming models in Lam Dong such as cement tanks lined with tarpaulin, composite tanks with existing water flow systems from streams or deep, cool hydroelectric reservoirs with natural currents, the Center decided to experiment with a rather special model. He stated that not only do some sturgeon species require cold water, but many others can adapt to average water temperatures. Therefore, the project is determined to implement the sturgeon farming model in earthen ponds, utilizing traditional ponds in areas without flowing water.

Leading visitors on a tour of his sturgeon farm, Mr. Le Van Dieu explained that the ponds are just ordinary earthen ponds, not needing to be too deep, just 1.5m - 1.7m deep is sufficient. After that, farmers can build cages with a height of 1.3m or more. The cages are made of iron frames, with compartments for the fish separated by plastic mesh, and a thick mesh lining the bottom. Mr. Dieu shared: “Sturgeon cages in earthen ponds don't need to be too complicated; currently, we mainly use floating cages and fixed cages. The bottom of the cage only needs to be about 30cm from the bottom of the pond to provide a suitable environment for the fish to live and grow. This is the simplest technology; just the pond and the cage are enough, no additional supporting technologies are needed.”

According to Mr. Le Van Dieu, since March 2023, the Center has been experimentally raising Siberian sturgeon juveniles in earthen ponds at a density of 10 to 13 fish/ ^m² , slightly lower than the traditional flowing water farming method. Each juvenile fish weighs about 50 grams, and currently some have reached 2-3 kg, with a survival rate of 75%, comparable to sturgeon raised in flowing water models. It can be assessed that raising sturgeon in earthen ponds is just as effective as other traditional sturgeon farming methods in Lam Dong such as raising sturgeon in lakes or in tanks lined with tarpaulin. Currently, the sturgeon raised in earthen ponds are ready for sale, with many reaching outstanding weights, and the model is considered an outstanding success.

Mr. Dieu said that raising sturgeon in cages in earthen ponds is a relatively simple farming technology, suitable for most farming households in the Duc Trong and Lam Ha regions. “We encouraged farmers, especially those who already had earthen ponds and were raising other types of fish, to invest in raising sturgeon. A 1,500 ^m² pond, including the cost of cages and fingerlings for 1,500 fish, only costs about 300 million VND. A year can yield 2.5 tons of fish, generating revenue of 500 million VND, with a profit margin of 50-70%.”

However, Mr. Le Van Dieu also offered some recommendations for farmers adopting the Sturgeon Farming Model in earthen ponds. Firstly, farmers need to maintain a clean and stable water source, avoid extensive cultivation around the pond, and reduce the amount of pesticides washed into the pond during rain. Sturgeon farming in earthen ponds requires attention to mud levels; fish cages should be placed near mud drainage pits, and mud should be regularly removed according to a plan to ensure clean pond water. To ensure optimal results, farmers can stock fish at a lower density than in other sturgeon farming models. Siberian sturgeon can tolerate water temperatures up to 28°C, so they can thrive in natural conditions in earthen ponds.

Due to weather conditions, farmers also need to source reliable, clearly identified, healthy fish with a company guarantee. Mr. Le Van Dieu said that, recognizing the effectiveness of the sturgeon farming model in earthen ponds, with low costs and high profit margins, the center is seeking farmers to transfer the technology, aiming to bring an effective economic model to farmers.

Recently, the Farmers' Association of Duc Trong district organized a visit to learn about a successful model and provide guidance on its transfer to farmers. This model is quite effective, suitable for existing pond conditions and requires a moderate investment, making it affordable for farmers. It is hoped that in the near future, farmers will have their own earthen ponds raising sturgeon alongside large-scale, well-invested sturgeon farms. This also opens up opportunities for farming households in Duc Trong and Lam Ha districts to develop their economy.

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