Sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources of Thac Ba Lake

>> Yen Bai strongly develops aquatic resources

>> Reviving aquatic resources of Thac Ba Lake

>> Yen Bai strengthens protection of aquatic resources

>> Yen Bai restores aquaculture after storms and floods

>> Yen Bai promotes aquaculture potential

In recent years, aquaculture and fishing activities on Thac Ba Lake have made significant progress. The lake’s annual aquatic product output reaches over 7,000 tons, mostly from cage farming. Many cage and net farming models have proven to be highly effective , providing a stable source of income for local people.

Typical examples include Hoang Kim Aquatic Cooperative, Han Da Commune, Yen Binh District, with an output of about 700 tons of catfish, sturgeon, and red tilapia per year. Or the household of Mr. Le Van Thu, Vinh Kien Commune, Yen Binh District, with an output of 20-25 tons of various types of fish, earning hundreds of millions to billions of VND per year.

Despite the strong development of aquaculture, the natural aquatic resources of Thac Ba Lake are facing serious decline. Previously, the lake was known for its high biodiversity, with about 130 different fish species. However, overexploitation by destructive methods such as using small mesh nets, electric shock, and even explosives in the past has caused serious consequences, disrupting the ecological balance and affecting the natural regeneration ability of aquatic species. This creates a paradox when a large lake with abundant ecological potential is at risk of resource depletion due to unsustainable exploitation activities.

Faced with the above situation, Yen Bai province has been implementing many solutions and policies to develop the aquaculture industry sustainably, both effectively exploiting resources and protecting the ecological environment. One of the important highlights in this strategy is the cooperation with Vietnam Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company. The company has officially cooperated with Yen Bai province to implement activities to exploit and sustainably develop aquatic resources on Thac Ba Lake. The core objective of this cooperation is to build an aquatic raw material area associated with protection activities, controlled exploitation and linking product consumption right in the locality.

Mr. Quach Manh Long - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company shared: "Recognizing the great potential of Thac Ba Lake in developing sustainable aquaculture, bringing long-term economic benefits to the people, we focus on restoring and enhancing natural resources through a large-scale fish seed release program. We plan to release hundreds of tons of fish seeds of all kinds into the lake each year. In 2024 alone, we released more than 8 tons of fish seeds, worth nearly 500 million VND. The plan for 2025 is even larger with the goal of releasing 12.6 million fish seeds into the lake. In particular, silver carp species are focused on because they are the species capable of improving the quality of lake water. We are committed to using fish seeds with clear origins, ensuring quality and size according to technical standards".

According to Mr. Long, in the initial stage, the fish fry will not be released directly into the lake but will be placed in sheltered channels and nooks to have time to adapt and be protected. The company also deployed experimental cages to monitor growth rates and determine the appropriate time for exploitation. At the same time, it will closely coordinate with the authorities to prevent illegal exploitation activities and protect common resources.

Regarding the issue of community connection and support, Mr. Long said: "An important pillar in our strategy is to build a value chain from production to consumption. We will support local fishermen with fishing gear and commit to consuming all the products we catch. We also spend about 30 billion VND each year to directly support the livelihoods of about 500 - 600 households working in fishing on the lake. We believe that, with close cooperation between the Company, the government and the community, we can build a sustainable aquaculture development model, bringing stable income and improving the lives of people in the Thac Ba lake area".

Despite positive signs, the exploitation and development of aquatic resources in Thac Ba Lake still faces many challenges. Illegal exploitation remains a major threat. In addition, releasing a large amount of fish fry also poses potential environmental risks. However, with the determination of Yen Bai province, the active participation of Vietnam Aquaculture and Processing Joint Stock Company, and the consensus of the local community, Thac Ba Lake can completely become a model of sustainable aquaculture development, contributing to the socio-economic development of the province and bringing a prosperous life to the people.

Hung Cuong

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/349007/Khai-thac-ben-vung-nguon-loi-thuy-san-ho-Thac-Ba.aspx