Skip to main content
Project

Circular economy and feed management approaches for inclusive and sustainable development of marine aquaculture in Vietnam
 

Viet Nam
Project ID
110331
Total Funding
CAD 1,400,000.00
IDRC Officer
Melanie Robertson
Project Status
Active
Duration
36 months

Lead institution(s)

Project leader:
Leo Nankervis
Australia

Summary

Marine fish farming in Vietnam traditionally relies on low-value wild-caught fish as feed; however, this feeding approach is inefficiently utilized. It also leads to environmental pollution, and faces significant challenges such as diminishing supply and the risk of disease transfer.Read more

Marine fish farming in Vietnam traditionally relies on low-value wild-caught fish as feed; however, this feeding approach is inefficiently utilized. It also leads to environmental pollution, and faces significant challenges such as diminishing supply and the risk of disease transfer. In contrast, manufactured feed pellets offer a more efficient and less polluting alternative, although they necessitate a different feeding approach. Feed pellets present a versatile nutrient delivery method in fish farming that can be adapted to various ingredient inputs. By incorporating byproducts from aquaculture and other industries into fish feeds, a circular economy approach can be developed to recycle nutrients within the value chain. This approach transforms waste into valuable fish protein, generating smallholder profits instead of contributing to pollution.

The objective of this project is to reduce the environmental impact of marine fish farming in Vietnam by optimizing feeding protocols and training farmers to use feed more efficiently. Through capacity-building, knowledge transfer, and inclusive participation, this project will empower local coastal communities in the sustainable development of marine aquaculture. Additionally, the reduction in feed costs, the largest expense, will enhance the livelihoods of the family groups that constitute the majority in this sector. Collaboration with feed companies and farmers will be instrumental in fostering feed improvements for circular economy approaches and feed efficiency. Additionally, technological advancements will be employed to better manage fish feeding behaviour, thereby reducing waste and minimizing the cost of feed resources.

The project is part of the Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS) in Aquacultural Food Systems in Asia-Pacific initiative (AQUADAPT), which is co-funded by Global Affairs Canada and IDRC. AQUADAPT is a four-year initiative aimed at driving research-action toward inclusive nature-based solutions and at better understanding of how such solutions can contribute to climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and food security across the Asia-Pacific region.

About the partnership

Partnership(s)

Nature-based Climate Solutions in Aquaculture Food Systems in Asia-Pacific (AQUADAPT)

AQUADAPT invests in action-based research to enable more resilient and sustainable aquaculture food systems by harnessing the potential of nature-based solutions for climate-vulnerable communities, including people of all genders and marginalized groups, in Asia-Pacific.