PRODUCTIVITY AND NATURAL RESOURCE DEPENDENCE IN THE VIETNAMESE SHRIMP AQUACULTURE SECTOR

Shrimp farming in Vietnam is a mixture of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive culture techniques. Each intensity level has a certain natural resource demands that can differ widely. The heterogeneity of the shrimp industry in Vietnam is a product of traditional extensive culture methods for Penaeus mondon and unwillingness for larger companies and processors to bear the risk of the aquaculture activity. Additionally, recent and large demands for Litopenaeus vannamei in the wake of EMS outbreaks have fostered a greater production share of this species and consequently the most common production practices that enlist greater intensification. A survey of 40 shrimp farmers that span the varied intensities and the two main species was conducted to determine if there are clear differences in the amount and rate of use of natural resources in the Vietnamese shrimp sector. Surveys were conducted in Soc Trang, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau Provinces. The discussion will focus on the current production practices, the role of natural resource use efficiency and the potential constraints for the sector in the future.