Leveraging the advantages of the lake region.
Following the resettlement process for the Son La hydroelectric project, along with stabilizing their lives, people in the reservoir area have gradually exploited the advantages of the water surface to develop aquaculture. From the first fish cages built with support, cage fish farming has now developed strongly in many localities, becoming a production sector that brings high economic value.
As one of the first households to develop cage fish farming in Quynh Nhai commune, Mr. Lo Van Khan, from Bung En village, is a testament to the transformation brought about by effectively exploiting the potential of the lake area. Leading us to visit his family's fish cages, Mr. Khan recounted: "In 2010, after attending a training course on aquaculture techniques and receiving support in the form of a 30 m² fish cage, I boldly invested in raising commercial fish. My family chose a semi-industrial farming method, utilizing readily available local feed to reduce production costs. Thanks to adhering to technical procedures, the fish grew well, the quality was guaranteed, and they were favored by the market. The first batches of fish yielded about 300 kg per cage, bringing in a profit of over 50 million VND, opening up a new economic development direction for my family. To date, my family maintains 90 cages raising various types of fish such as grass carp, common carp, catfish, and snakehead, providing a stable annual income."
Inspired by the success of Mr. Khan's family's cage fish farming model, many households in the area have learned from and followed suit. The number of cages has steadily increased, and cage fish farming has gradually developed from small-scale production to integrated commercial production. To support each other with technical assistance, breeding stock, and product distribution, the households have formed the Chieng Bang Aquaculture Cooperative. Currently, the cooperative has 33 members and maintains 238 cages. Each year, the cooperative supplies over 100 tons of commercial fish to the market.
Along with the development of cage fish farming models, some businesses have boldly exploited the potential of the water surface by combining aquaculture with tourism and service development. Quynh Nhai Tourism Investment and Development Co., Ltd. currently maintains 25 cages for raising various specialty fish species, while also developing tourism and resort activities on the lake. The seafood products are used to serve tourists, creating a stable market and contributing to promoting the image of local specialties. Mr. Pham Van Doanh, Director of the company, said: "We consider aquaculture and tourism development as two complementary fields. Specialty fish products are directly served to tourists, thereby increasing the value of the products, promoting the image of the lake area, and creating additional revenue for the business as well as local people."
Not only focusing on traditional aquaculture species, the aquaculture industry on the Da River reservoir is trending towards expansion and diversification of species in many localities throughout the province. Many businesses are investing in developing high-economic-value aquatic species, contributing to improved water surface utilization and creating new directions for the fisheries sector.
In Muong La commune, Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La is one of the pioneering units in developing sturgeon farming in the Son La hydroelectric reservoir area. After a period of research, perfecting technical procedures and proactively controlling the farming environment, the sturgeon farming model in the reservoir has shown positive results. Mr. Nguyen Van Lan, the company's manager, said: Currently, the unit operates 265 cages and 70 breeding tanks. Each year, the company supplies nearly 300 tons of commercial sturgeon to the market. During the production process, the unit regularly monitors water environmental indicators such as temperature and pH to adjust the care process accordingly; at the same time, it strictly implements regulations on environmental protection, ensuring sustainable aquaculture development.
From small-scale fish cage farming models by local people to large-scale investment projects by businesses, Son La's fisheries sector is gradually demonstrating its clear economic effectiveness. Currently, the province has 2,907 hectares of aquaculture, 7,091 fish cages; and has formed 15 safe seafood supply chains with over 2,000 cages. Many Da River fish products have been certified under the OCOP program, gradually building brands and expanding markets both within and outside the province.
Towards a high-value seafood industry.
Favorable natural conditions and increasing market demand have identified the fisheries sector as one of the most promising industries for sustainable development. To effectively exploit this potential, the province has issued a plan for restructuring the fisheries sector for sustainable, legal, transparent, and responsible development for the period 2026-2030. Accordingly, the plan aims to maintain a growth rate of over 2.5% per year in fisheries production value; achieve a farming area of 3,165 hectares; develop 7,212 cages; and reach a farming output of 10,779 tons and a fishing output of 1,400 tons by 2030.
To realize these goals, the province is focusing on developing concentrated aquaculture areas on the Son La and Hoa Binh hydroelectric reservoirs; expanding the area applying advanced production processes; and promoting the application of science and technology and digital transformation in production management. At the same time, breeding facilities continue to invest in upgrading and encouraging the development of high-economic-value species to improve productivity, quality, and competitiveness of aquatic products.
Mr. Duong Van Bieng, Deputy Head of the Department of Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, said: The Department continues to advise on the implementation of solutions for sustainable fisheries development; improving the quality of breeding stock, expanding concentrated farming areas on the Son La and Hoa Binh hydropower reservoirs, and promoting production linkages with product consumption. At the same time, it encourages the development of fisheries combined with tourism and services, and strengthens activities to protect aquatic resources. Alongside aquaculture development, the protection and regeneration of aquatic resources continue to be emphasized. Annually, the province maintains activities to release breeding stock to regenerate resources, strengthens the management of natural spawning grounds, and promotes awareness campaigns to educate people on sustainable fisheries practices.
With its vast water resources and clear development orientation, Son La's fisheries sector has many opportunities for breakthroughs. When solutions related to science and technology, production linkages, brand building, and market expansion are implemented synchronously, the potential of the lake region will continue to be effectively exploited, contributing to increased income for the people, promoting agricultural economic development, and making a positive contribution to the province's economic growth.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/phong-su/son-la-danh-thuc-tiem-nang-nuoi-trong-thuy-san-yfR9BgbDg.html
Comment (0)