Mastering RAS technology: The answer to green aquaculture

1. Preliminary Field Results

Positive Indicators: The Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) model—focusing on water reuse and cost optimization—has achieved initial success in Vinh Chau and My Xuyen (with surveys underway to expand into Cu Lao Dung). Shrimp survival rates reached 57%–98%, with yields ranging from 1 to 10 tons per household.

Favorable Profits: 6 out of 7 initial shrimp farming households recorded net profits between USD 1,000 and USD 26,000 per crop; crab farming models maintained steady net profits of VND 3–18 million per crop.

Progress of the IUCN-led Project:

Target: Implement 45 RAS models combined with the restoration of 18 hectares of mangrove forest across Ca Mau and Can Tho.

Status: Achieved 85% completion (38/45 models installed). Ca Mau achieved 100% completion (23/23 households), while Can Tho finalized 15 households. Full project operations are expected before December 2026.

Approach: Direct partnership with cost-sharing mechanisms; assisting farmers in retrofitting existing ponds and mangrove plots to lower capital expenditure.

 

2. Context of Can Tho's Seafood Sector

Massive Scale: In the first 8 months of 2026, seafood export turnover reached USD 1,615.97 million (+22.04% year-on-year). Total harvested volume reached 490,779.1 tons across an area of 83,030 hectares.

Environmental Pressures: 189.5 hectares of shrimp suffered damage due to prolonged heatwaves combined with heavy rain, underlining the urgent need for climate-resilient farming systems and water management.

3. Core Challenges & Scalability Solutions

Infrastructure & Market Barriers:

Space Constraints: Many smallholders lack sufficient land area to build ponds compliant with technical RAS specifications.

Price Volatility: Price drops for large-size shrimp (under 50 count/kg) occasionally penalize farmers who invest extra time and resources into extended grow-out cycles.

Technical Risks: Unstable seed stock quality, electrical/equipment failures, and the reliance on traditional habits require farmers to strictly follow technical protocols.

Strategic Directions:

Production Alignment: Strengthen agricultural cooperatives and supply chain integration with enterprises to secure input quality and output market access.

Capacity Building: Deliver practical knowledge and operational skill transfers alongside hardware delivery.

Green Incentives: Measure and commercialize carbon credits from protected mangrove forests to generate supplementary income for farming communities.

  

 

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