The economics of developing reservoir aquaculture in Vietnam

• University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam
• Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 1, Vietnam
• Institute of Fisheries Economics and Policy, Vietnam
• Deakin University, Australia

Reviewers of the ACIAR-supported project 'Reservoir fishery development and management in the northern mid highland region, Vietnam' highlighted the urgent need to carry out socio-economic studies of reservoir fishery development in Vietnam. Although potential for poverty alleviation is high in the midland and upland regions, little attention has been paid to the economics of expanding production, and consequently hoped-for production targets are unlikely to be fulfilled. This project is focussing on small-scale reservoirs (including coves and cages in larger reservoirs), which have a higher economic potential than stock enhancement of the large reservoirs. Project researchers are seeking to address issues such as where to find markets for increased fish production in remote areas, how better farm management (like timing of stocking) can improve income, what fish species are economically suitable, and how property rights to water bodies are allocated and protected. Their answers are expected to give planners better insights into economic factors affecting returns to fisheries development; and help farmers/fishers to better manage their aquaculture systems.