Recent advancements in shrimp farming have yielded promising results, with a notable reduction of nearly 17% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in extensive shrimp farms and an intriguing 11% decrease in intensive ones. These findings stem from comprehensive research on GHG emissions within shrimp farming ponds and are part of the “Energy transition and climate change mitigation in Mekong Delta” project, jointly funded by ActionAid Vietnam and Bread for the World (BfdW) from 2021 to 2023.
Associate Prof. Dr. Le Anh Tuan, a distinguished lecturer from Can Tho University representing the research team, highlighted a pivotal discovery. According to their study, GHG emissions originating from intensive shrimp farming models are 15 times higher than those associated with extensive shrimp farming models in Dong Hai district of Bac Lieu province.
The research unveiled the key factors contributing to GHG emissions. In extensive shrimp farming, parameters such as farming density, pond dredging, and shrimp breeding played a vital role. In contrast, for intensive shrimp farming, the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions were electricity and shrimp feed, with electricity consumption accounting for a staggering 82% and feed contributing 17% to the overall GHG emission.
Dr. Tuan shared that this intriguing research led to the development of a range of strategies aimed at reducing GHG emissions. These strategies encompassed minimizing electricity consumption, transitioning from fossil energy-based electricity to renewable sources, employing bio-gas composting for shrimp waste treatment, optimizing shrimp feed usage, adjusting feeding techniques, altering shrimp stocking density, and enhancing the water treatment system to mitigate shrimp diseases.
After nine months of applying these innovative solutions, extensive shrimp farming saw a remarkable reduction of 16.9% in GHG emissions, while intensive shrimp farming experienced a 10.8% decrease.
Nguyen Trung Hieu, Vice Director of the Bac Lieu Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that Bac Lieu, a prominent shrimp production hub in the country, has actively expanded intensive shrimp farms to mitigate the environmental impact. Identifying the primary sources of emissions and providing solutions to reduce GHG emissions from shrimp ponds will play a vital role in the near future.
Associate Prof. Nguyen Hieu Trung, Vice Principal of Can Tho University, underlined the significance of researching GHG emissions from aquaculture ponds and implementing GHG reduction measures in aquaculture. This not only raises public awareness about the importance of emission reduction but also contributes to the sustainability of the aquaculture industry in the Mekong Delta region. It aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
At a recent conference, representatives from governmental agencies, research organizations, businesses, and shrimp farmers deliberated on ways to replicate this intriguing shrimp farming model to further reduce GHG emissions in the Mekong Delta region. They emphasized the need for the issuance of guidelines, the provision of training to enhance awareness and techniques among shrimp farmers, and the implementation of supportive policies in the field.
