In Ho Chi Minh City, several companies are leading the charge. Phuc Loc Co. Ltd. processes around 60 tonnes of by-products daily to produce 4,000–5,000 tonnes of fishmeal annually, generating revenues of 72–90 billion VND (approximately 3–3.9 million USD). Similarly, Tu Hai Co. Ltd. exports cleaned and dried fish bones to Japan, earning 10–12 billion VND annually.

On the research front, the Southern Research Institute for Marine Fisheries converts mixed crab species into canned crab paste and chitosan powder, a high-value raw material for healthcare and agriculture, sold at up to 1,000 USD per kilogram. Beyond industrial applications, companies like Hai Lan Co. Ltd. transform shells into souvenirs, artwork, and jewelry, reaching global markets through platforms like Alibaba.

Forecasts from the agriculture and environment sector indicate a massive potential for seafood by-products. Shrimp heads alone could provide 490,000 tonnes of food products, pangasius offcuts 100,000 tonnes, and fish oil 150,000 tonnes annually. By 2030, shrimp by-products could reach 650,000 tonnes worth 80–100 million USD, while pangasius by-products could hit 1.3 million tonnes, valued at over 500 million USD.

Officials highlight that converting by-products into resources requires a strategic approach, supported by policies, investment, and collaboration among businesses and scientists. This transformation not only creates tens of thousands of jobs but also reduces environmental pressure from seafood waste.

Currently, Vietnam generates roughly one million tonnes of seafood by-products annually, yet only a fraction is processed, with the sector’s current value at around 275 million USD—far below its billion-dollar potential.

By turning seafood waste into “blue gold,” Vietnam is setting an example of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth in the global seafood industry.

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Pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is an indigenous fish species of Thailand that has spread to Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, and other countries. Thai Pangas were initially imported from Thailand and brought into Bangladesh by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) in 1990. The artificial breeding of Pangas introduced in 1993 by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI). Subsequently, farmers, entrepreneurs, and extension agents across the country adopted the breeding, seed production, and culture technology of Thai Pangas.

Pangas are profitable due to their consistent production, rapid growth, and high productivity. Low market prices drive strong local market demand. The majority of poor individuals consume pangas, and many rural people living below the poverty line work in the species’ production and marketing systems. Pangas grows faster, making it economically viable for commercial farming. It can attain harvestable size in a short time (typically 7 to 9 months). Pangas has a high feed conversion ratio, meaning it requires less feed to grow, making it more cost-efficient than some other species.

Vietnam is the largest producer and exporter of pangasius with almost half of the total global production. In the last year, Vietnam’s Pangas exports reached approximately 2 billion US$, marking a 9% increase from the previous year and accounting for 20% of the country’s total seafood export revenue. Currently, in Vietnam larger Pangas weighing over 1.2kg are selling at 1.29 US$/kg, a record extreme since 2022. While smaller fish, approximately 1kg in weight, exported to the EU countries and United States and sold to 1.10 US$. The current retail price of 1 kg of Vietnamese pangas fillet in Leicester, England, is about 550 BDT ($4.52). Import prices for China strengthened to US$2.01/kg, 7% increased price from late 2023. Vietnamese pangas are exported to more than 80 nations globally. Pangas from Vietnam are commonly exported to high-value countries due to its acceptability and low cost. Europe is the main market for Pangas and could be a possible destination for exports from Bangladesh.

Pangas fillets manufactured in Bangladesh frequently have yellow discoloration, which is viewed as lesser quality and less desirable by European consumers. Bangladeshi scientists have identified several potential causes of this discoloration, including high stocking densities, infrequent water exchange, elevated organic matter in pond water, the proliferation of carotenoid-containing cyanobacteria, the presence of artificial and natural pigments in feed, and inadequate post-harvest handling. European markets particularly prefer white Pangas fillets, therefore colour uniformity is critical for meeting export standards. The EU has stringent regulations on chemical residues in food, and many shipments from Bangladesh have been rejected due to the excessive use of antibiotics. Currently, Bangladesh holds the second position in global Pangas production, while India ranks third and Indonesia fourth. However, India is ahead in fillet processing and exports. Bangladesh needs to improve its processing capabilities and export standards, it has the potential to dominate the global Pangas fillet market.

The potential for ready-to-cook (RTC) and ready-to-eat (RTE) products made from Pangas fish in Bangladesh is significant, driven by growing consumer demand for convenience and time-saving food options. With the country’s expanding processing infrastructure and the fish’s rapid growth and low production costs, Pangas offer an affordable and versatile source for value-added products like wet fish, fillets (skinless, boneless), chunked and steak fish, crispy pickles (Balachao), fish ball, fish finger etc., and frozen or pre-cooked dishes. Pangas fish can be turned into fish powder, which can be used as high protein, lipid, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) and omega-3 fatty accid supplement for human body.

As the domestic and export markets for such products increase, Bangladesh has the opportunity to become a major player in the global seafood industry. However, to fully realize this potential, investments in quality control, sustainable farming practices, and adherence to international food safety standards will be essential. Given the increasing demand for convenient seafood options, urbanization, changing consumer preferences and year-round availability of Pangas fish present huge opportunities for economic growth and value addition. Young entrepreneurs with expertise in food processing, supply chain management, and e-commerce can leverage the growing demand for convenient pangas fish-based products.

Al-Shahriar
Research Assistant
WorldFish Bangladesh
Email: alshahriar12@gmail.com

The post The future of Bangladesh’s Pangasius industry – can we rule the global market? appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

This extraordinary Pangasius, often referred to as the “Giant Mekong Pangasius (Pangasius sanitwongsei)” is typically found in the Mekong River. Though this time, it has found its home in the pond of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. This particular species is not only the world’s largest but is also critically endangered. Its arrival in Bangladesh in 2006 from Thailand marked the beginning of an incredible journey.

Dr. M. Khalilur Rahman, former Director-General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, explains that the Mekong Giant Pangasius is native to the Mekong River. It has traveled from the Mekong, coursing through China, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, before making its way to the Yellow Sea.

Initially raised in a Renny Fisheries in Trishal by Reza Ali, who brought it and later supplied 50 of these giant Mekong Pangasius to the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in 2015, where it has become the subject of extensive research in pond environments. Researchers at BFRI have since been dedicated to studying their pond production.

Currently, the research center houses 47 Pangasius fish, age 17 years , with weights ranging from 100 to 150 kilograms. Research indicates that these fishes can lay 5-10 million eggs annually, spanning from the age of 17 to 40 years.

What makes the Mekong Giant Pangasius particularly fascinating is that despite its critically endangered status, it holds a place in the list of edible fish. This presents an opportunity for both the country and the global community to conserve and propagate this vital species. Researchers stress the importance of providing these fish with proper nutrition, maintaining optimal water quality, and adhering to a regulated daily feeding schedule.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman further explains that once these fish reach the breeding stage, they required food up to five percent of their body weight daily. Ensuring they receive a balanced diet, with a focus on protein-rich food, is crucial for their healthy growth. Additionally, it is essential to manage water quality to support their well-being.

If artificial breeding is successful, these fish can attain a remarkable weight gain of 9 to 12 kilograms within a year. This growth rate far surpasses that of native Pangasius fish in Bangladesh, increasing the promise of a sustainable aquaculture sector.

Rizvi Ahmed, a scientific officer at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, highlights that initially, these fish display carnivorous tendencies, but after a year, they transition to herbivores, sustaining themselves on submerged, floating, and shoreline periphyton or different algae. This adaptation suggests that, unlike other large fish species, the Mekong Giant Pangasius may not pose harm to the ecosystem.

The current Director General of BFRI, Dr Yahia Mahmud said, there are lot to be done to make this successful, we are currently trying to domesticate it and go for artificial breeding within next 3 to 4 years. Ongoing extensive research on this remarkable fish holds the potential to revolutionize the aquaculture sector in Bangladesh.

According to BFRI chief, currently the country is producing 4 million tons of Pangasius, the addition of fingerlings from this unique species could signal a new era of prosperity in the sector.

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At the International Pangasius Outlook Forum organized by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) in Ho Chi Minh City on August 24, industry experts highlighted the considerable potential for Vietnamese pangasius enterprises to tap into densely populated markets with moderate income levels.

Willemink Arno, the Operations Director of De Heus Vietnam and one of the forum’s speakers, underscored the global demand for white fish, including pangasius, from Vietnam. Particularly noteworthy is the robust consumption in high-income countries such as the US, where per capita consumption stands at approximately 22 kg per year. In contrast, the consumption of whitefish is trending lower in nations with lower to middle incomes. Consequently, the prospect of Vietnamese pangasius making headway into lower-income markets remains highly promising.

Mr. Arno highlighted the context, explaining that Vietnam’s annual pangasius production reaches around 2.5 million tons, whereas China’s output stands at a mammoth 27 million tons per year, growing at a rate of approximately 15% annually. Despite this significant production potential, urban areas in China exhibit relatively modest per capita consumption rates, indicating a substantial untapped market demand. This scenario offers Vietnamese pangasius businesses a notable opportunity to expand their market share.

VASEP shares this positive outlook, asserting that a meticulous exploration and engagement with these populous middle-income markets could lead to a turnaround. The organization anticipates the potential for a resurgence in Vietnam pangasius exports, even achieving the ambitious export target of US $2.3 billion.

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This expansion in fish farming has not only provided a major source of protein for low-income families but has also created numerous job and income opportunities in rural and suburban areas. Approximately 20 million individuals in the country are engaged in fish farming and trade.

The production of these three fish species have witnessed remarkable growth. For instance, the annual production of cultured pangasius increased from 155 thousand tons in 2010-11 to 395 thousand tons in the 2021-22 fiscal year, while tilapia output surged from 98 thousand tons to 329 thousand tons and Koi production rose to a astonishing 350% to reach 57,244 tons during the same period. Overall, cultured fish production in Bangladesh nearly doubled between FY11 and FY22, rising from 1.2 million tons to 2.17 million tons. (Source: Department of Fisheries, DoF)

The increased cultivation of these species can be attributed to factors such as the availability of fish fries, the use of commercial feed, and market demand. The introduction of artificial breeding of pangasius in the 1990s by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) played a pivotal role in their popularity among middle and lower-income groups as well as urban poor across the country, making it a crucial source of animal protein. The high survival rate (close to 100%) of Pangasius fries has further motivated farmers in various regions of the country to engage in fish farming. For example, there are 112 thousand fish farmers in the Mymensingh division, mostly in Trishal, Gouripur, Phulpur, Tarakanda, Bhaluka and Muktagacha upazilas, according to Dilip Kumar Saha, district fisheries officer. 

Koi is also a native freshwater fish species and very popular among the fishmongers. Though it had a very low output before the introduction of artificial breeding. Mainly genetically improved Thailand based broodstock has changed its size, weight to double and overall production in the country since 2003. Koi farming is profitable for the farmers as it can be farmed in high density in small ponds even without aerators. This species can sustain a long time without water and in adverse environments. Almost a cent percent survival ratio, low feed cost, several crops per year and high demand in the market made Koi farming popular among the farmers across the country.

Aquaculture industry has emerged as a leading job creator in Bangladesh, as the sector requires significant manpower involvement throughout its value chain. The ease of producing these three fish varieties and the possibility of farming them in household ponds have also contributed to their widespread cultivation, resulting in affordable prices for end-consumers. Getting out of traditional practices and adopting improved farming methods have further boosted production for farmers.

According to International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) report, 56% of Bangladesh’s fish supply originates from ponds, and the practice of fish farming in these ponds has resulted in a nearly six-fold increase in production over the past thirty years. In 1990, the average annual per capita fish consumption was around 7.5 kg, but now it has surged about 30 kg.

The cultivation of Pangasius, Tilapia, and Koi has had a substantial impact on increasing the overall output of fish in Bangladesh, with the total fish production reaching 4.7 million tons in FY22, up about 55% from 3.62 million tons in FY11. Aquaculture now accounts for about 45% of the total output, and led by these three species which is annually 8%. (Source: DoF)

According to Mr. Yahia Mahmud, the director general of the BFRI (Bangladesh Fish Research Institute), “Bangladesh has the potential to enter the market of value-added pangasius products for export. The introduction of “white pangasius” has gained attention from farmers, with the possibility of meeting demand in other countries by exporting“.

White muscle or white pangasius is a Vietnamese breed and has a buttery white flesh which has given them aesthetic benefit over locally framed Pangasius in the country. Local pangasius flesh is more of a yellowish with pink or reddish in colour which is less preferable by the foreign buyers. Though, the white Pangasius farming is yet to gain popularity as there is not much of export activities in the country for this species.  

Bangladesh has ranked 3rd for “Inland fish capture production”and 5th for “aquaculture production” in the world in FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, although the country is only 148 thousand square kilometers by area and smaller than half size of Vietnam.

Though when it comes to export, the picture is quite pale. During FY ’22-23, total fisheries sector earning is US $422 million and shrimp accounts for about 71% of the total export value, US $300 million and it was only around 22 thousand tons. Country’s shrimp export is dominated by semi-organic Black Tiger Shrimp (P. monodon) which are cultivated in traditional farming methods.

Bangladesh has 175,000 hectare of land area for shrimp aquaculture (brackish water 155,000 ha, freshwater 10,000 ha) which is more than the land area that India allocated for its shrimp aquaculture (160,000 hectare). Yet, Bangladesh’s shrimp industry is losing its production about 6-8% annually. There were about 140 export-oriented seafood processors in the country, unfortunately only 30 of those processing factories are still manage to stay active and rest have shut-down due to the shortage of raw materials.

Bangladesh govt has recently approved the P. Vannamei for the commercial cultivation to boost up its shrimp export. Though Vannamei cultivation will require a fair amount of time to flourish as its aquaculture value chain (i.e., hatchery, Nursery, technicians) is yet to be developed in the country.

There’s a rising question in the stakeholders, if the industry can’t maximize the benefits from the native species, Black Tiger or monodon shrimp, how will we go along with P. Vannamei.

Pangasius and Tilapia could be a very suitable option to increase aquatic export for the country along with the shrimp. These two species are now being cultivated in both traditional and improved traditional method which leaves ample opportunities to employ advance farming method by leveraging technology and enhance their production to a greater number.

Bangladesh has immense potential as the value-added products from pangasius and tilapia have a good demand in the US, EU and Asian markets. Modern farming methods, more investment at farm level, processing plant’s infrastructure developments and due-diligence from the government can add them into the foreign currency earnings stream and create more job opportunities in the country.

The post Bangladesh’s aquaculture triumph: three leading fish species appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

However, in recent years, a new glimmer of hope has emerged about the availability of large-size fresh water pangas. Other fish stocks in the river have increased as a result of the Hilsa protection effort. The Department of Fisheries has removed the illegal fishing trap known as ‘Chai,’ which was set up at numerous pangas hatching places such as Chandpur and Shariatpur.

The Fisheries Act prohibits the capture of pangas smaller than 12 inches (30 cm) from the wild. Disobedience to the law, reservoir destruction, haphazard infrastructure construction, killing of fry and eggs, use of illegal nets, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, dumping of industrial waste in rivers and oceans, and plastic pollution have all contributed to the decline of the pangas fish population.

For several years, ECOFISH II, a project of Worldfish funded by USAID, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, has been undertaking numerous efforts.  They organized different awareness programs for pangas conservation through all over Bangladesh, especially in the riverine region of Chadpur, Borguna and Barishal.   Furthermore, any groups have made no such conservation efforts. The approach of the ECOFISH II team might be viewed as the first step toward riverine Pangas’s conservation and management. Department of Fisheries were tried their level best to eliminate the use of chai, which is used for catching the fry of riverine pangas species. 200-300 kg of fry are caught in one such Pangas fish fry net or Chai.

Nevertheless, this vicious cycle has started in recent years when the production of natural pangas fish has been increasing. Around 600 kg of Pangas fish fry were seized from three boats in the Meghna River because of a joint operation of the Fisheries Department, Chandpur Sadar and the Coast Guard.

Pangas fish contain less mercury than other varieties of fish, making them a safer choice for regular intake. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for cardiovascular health and cognitive function. It is high time to conserve riverine Pangas fish stock, so that it can continue to exist for future generations. Pangas fish resource users should emphasize on conserving Pangas breeding, nursery, and spawning grounds. Fishermen should encourage other fishermen to stop illegal fishing of Pangas, so that a sustainable catch rate could be retained.

Farhana Islam
Agriculturist, Researcher
Fisheries Resource Management, CVASU

The post Conservation of Riverine Pangas is a concerning issue appeared first on Seafood Network BD.

Le Ba Anh, Deputy Director of the Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Management Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), said that MARD has been working with China on food safety control with aquatic goods since 2004. The two parties maintain the registration of seafood export businesses. Currently, China recognizes 802 Vietnamese seafood exporting businesses, and Vietnam has also recognized 780 Chinese seafood exporting businesses.

Anh says that China’s zero COVID policy made it hard for Vietnam to export high-value marine products, like crabs, lobsters, vannamei and black tiger shrimp. When China opens the market, the prices of goods will go up significantly.

China’s opening will make more restaurants available, which will increase demand for expensive seafood.

Additionally, China will eliminate the COVID-19 inspection procedures, which would make seafood exports more available.

Le Hang, director of communications for the Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said that in 2023, China would be the most attractive market for Vietnamese seafood exporters due to solid demand, proximity, and lower logistical costs and risks compared to other destinations.

The COVID-19 epidemic will make it hard for Chinese raw material sources to meet demand when China opens, according to Hang.

Pangasius will be more profitable than shrimp in Vietnam’s export products, according to Hang. Vietnamese companies already have commercial ties with Chinese partners. In the case of political unrest, Vietnamese pangasius can make up for the shortage of imported white fish from its eastern EU neighbor.

Additionally, Chinese consumers prefer pangasius and other freshwater fish over tilapia, which allows Vietnamese companies to increase exports.

The VASEP estimates that Viet Nam exported fish worth $785 million in December 2022. That’s down 13% from the same time in 2021. However, the fish business reached $11 billion in 2022. That’s up about 24% compared to 2021. The consistent development in the year’s first ten months is to be credited for this increase.

Exports fell in December, but there was a 17% increase in shipments to mainland China and Hong Kong. This is positive news and shows that the markets are improving. In 2022, the seafood sector in Vietnam earned more than $1.8 billion from the Chinese and Hong Kong markets, an increase of 59%.

Exports to ASEAN countries maintained positive growth of 27% till December, with the market contributing $790 million to Vietnam’s seafood industry for the whole of 2022.

Exports to the US fell the most in December, with a 40% decrease. Nevertheless, exports increased by 5% in 2022 to $2.1 billion. Additionally, exports to the EU fell 32% in December, bringing the overall export value to the market, close to $1.3 billion, an increase of 20% from 2021.

Vietnam‘s seafood export revenue is declining because of the global economic downturn and high inflation. Experts expect exports to improve in the year’s second half, but it will take a long time for the market to recover. As a result, Vietnam’s seafood export revenue may fall and might be less than $10 billion in 2023.

Tariq Iqbal
Khulna, Bangladesh

The post China to assist Vietnamese seafood export thrive in 2023 appeared first on Seafood Network BD.