In late February and early March, fishers enjoyed high catch and high price due to favorable weather and high demand. It was the peak time for Northern fishing season so many high value species such as squid, cuttlefish, mackerel, were abundant. The landing was estimated to hit 622,000MT, up 1.2% year-on-year including 577,200 MT from marine waters (up 1.3%),
Although the Mekong Delta was in dry season, the inland seafood landing still amounted to 45,200 MT, up 0.9% against the same period of last year thanks to the increased harvest of Pangasius krempfi.
Aquaculture output in the first three months registered 512,000MT, up 5.3% over the same month last year.
The Pangasius stocking area hit only 3,745ha (excluding the hatchery area), down 65% year-on-year because of the uncertain farm-gate price, increased feed cost and bank credit tightening. The Pangasius harvest in Mekong Delta is expected to fall bellow the target this year.
The total Pangasius yield in the first 3 months reached 238,261 MT including 77,000MT from An Giang, 57,412MT from Dong Thap, 34,699 MT from Vinh Long; 36,000MT from Ben Tre and 18,250MT from Can Tho.
Climate changes and water problems in the Mekong Delta caused a number of shrimp deaths. The damaged area was 1,270ha in Bac Lieu and 1,000 ha in Tra Vinh.
Farmers are harvesting seafood in their ponds and preparing for this year’s crop.
TP