Fish farms of grouper, seabass, and shrimp are reducing pressure on wild stocks.
Image source: Suhkry pixabay
Nha Trang, a jewel of Vietnam’s coastline, is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class diving spots. But beneath the surface, an open secret is hiding in plain sight—one that many would rather ignore. The coral reefs, once teeming with life, are dying.
Fisherman from a nearby coastal village notice the stark changes. They have spent over two decades fishing these waters, relying on the ocean’s rich harvest to support his family. But in recent years, his nets came up emptier and emptier.
It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when he’d catch 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of fish, like tuna and grouper, in one night. He can’t make money on the squid. “Now I usually go home empty-handed,” a local fisherman lamented.
Like many other local fishermen, has been forced to adapt. Instead of catching fish, he now charters his boat to Vietnamese tourists looking for a deep-sea fishing experience.The only creatures biting are squid—thriving in the warming waters of the South China Sea while other marine life struggles to survive.
Image: Yannick Peterhans
Scientists blame a mix of climate change, overfishing, and unchecked coastal development for the reef’s rapid decline.
Rising ocean temperatures have triggered mass coral bleaching, where stressed corals expel the algae that give them color and life. Without these corals, entire marine ecosystems collapse, leaving fish without food or shelter. To make matters worse, destructive fishing practices—like the use of cyanide and dynamite—have further devastated the reefs.
“Nha Trang’s reefs are in critical condition,” says Dr. Tran Hoang Minh, a marine biologist at Vietnam National University. “If we don’t act fast, we could lose them entirely within the next decade.”
The crisis extends beyond the environment. The loss of marine biodiversity threatens Nha Trang’s economy, which heavily depends on tourism and fishing. Local markets, once bustling with an array of fresh seafood, now struggle to offer the variety they once did. Hotels and dive shops fear the dwindling appeal of once-thriving coral gardens, where tourists flocked to witness a vibrant underwater world that is now fading into a pale shadow of itself.
In response, conservationists and local authorities have launched efforts to restore the reefs. Artificial reef structures and coral transplantation projects have shown some promise. Sustainable fishing initiatives are being introduced, urging fishermen to move away from harmful practices.
Offshore fish farming (aquaculture) could be a viable solution to help Vietnamese fishermen adapt to declining wild fish stocks and a changing marine ecosystem. Here’s how it could benefit them:
- Economic Stability for Fishermen
With dwindling fish populations due to overfishing and climate change, offshore aquaculture provides an alternative source of income. Fishermen can transition from traditional fishing to managing fish farms, ensuring a steady livelihood.
- Sustainable Seafood Production
Offshore fish farming allows for controlled breeding of high-value species like grouper, seabass, and shrimp, reducing pressure on wild stocks. If managed properly, it can help maintain fish populations while meeting growing seafood demand.
- Less Environmental Impact Than Nearshore Farming
Unlike nearshore fish farms, which can pollute coastal waters, offshore farms benefit from stronger currents that disperse waste more effectively, reducing the risk of ecosystem damage and disease outbreaks.
- Government and Private Investment Support
Vietnam has already recognized aquaculture as a strategic industry. With the right policies, financial support, and training programs, fishermen could transition to offshore aquaculture more easily.
- Job Creation and Skill Development
This shift would require training in fish farming techniques, maintenance of offshore infrastructure, and sustainable feed practices, creating new employment opportunities in Vietnam’s coastal communities.
However, challenges exist, including high initial costs, storm risks, and the need for advanced technology to maintain offshore farms. If these hurdles are addressed, offshore aquaculture could be a key strategy for Vietnam’s fishing communities to adapt to environmental changes while ensuring long-term food security and economic resilience.
