Currently, Vinh Long counts 239 fish farming facilities operated by 58 firms and 192 households.— Photo doanhnhan

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The first three fish farms raising tra fish for export in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long have received certificates from the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), opening the door to larger markets.

Covering a total area of 36.7 hectares, the facilities are run by the Co Chien, Nam Vang and Nam Song Hau companies in Vung Liem and Tra On district with the support of the Governments programme to build safe tra fish farming areas meeting GlobalGap/ASC standards.

Founded in 2010 by the World Wide Fund and the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative, the ASC is a global organisation working with aquaculture producers, seafood processors, retail and foodservice companies, scientists, conservation groups and the public to promote the best environmental and social choice in seafood.

The ASC's aquaculture certification programme and seafood label recognises and rewards responsible aquaculture.

ASC certified enterprises will be assisted to transform their production practices and apply advanced technology in fish farming, thus minimising the use of chemicals in production.

More importantly, the enterprises will be put under the supervision of the surrounding community, raising their responsibility towards society and their workers.

Currently, Vinh Long counts 239 fish farming facilities operated by 58 firms and 192 households.

This year, the province will work harder to ease difficulties in capital, market, breeding stock and infrastructure for the fish farming sector in a bid to ensure the stable operation of 430 hectares of farming waters, striving for a total output of 100,000 tonnes. — VNS