DIVERSAQUA - Diversification of farmed fishes in the Mekong Delta through the selection of new euryhaline fish candidates: A multidisciplinary approach for a sustainable aquaculture

Towards sustainable and climate-resilient aquaculture in the Mekong Delta.

Our mission is To contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the fish sector
in Vietnam through better adaptation to increasing salinity.

Pro. Dr. NGUYEN Thanh Phuong

Project Leader

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Background: Addressing the challenge of growing and changing salinity in the Mekong Delta.

Overall Objectives: Enhancing the economic viability of aquaculture. Mitigating water-related conflicts and protecting biodiversity by reducing pressure on wild fish stocks

Specific Objectives: Establishing the foundations for the sustainable and profitable development of salt-tolerant (euryhaline) indigenous fish species

Research Activities

Biological & Technical Foundations

Includes socio-economic demand assessment, species selection, genetic diversity characterization, and establishing optimal conditions for reproduction, larval rearing, and market-size growth

Economic & Market Analysis

Focuses on production cost assessment, market analysis, and developing recommendations for specific target groups

Participatory Research & Outreach

Covers field tests in farms, liaison with extension services, and the implementation of a communication strategy to disseminate results

Training & Capacity Building

Dedicated to Ph.D. and MSc. training, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and the preparation of technical manuals

Expected Outcomes

Technical Solutions

Cost-effective methods for farming local euryhaline fish

Policy Support

Data and recommendations to assist in decision-making and value chain development

Knowledge Transfer

Raised awareness among producers on how to adapt production systems

Institutional Strengthening

Increased research capacity for CTU in the field of sustainable aquaculture

Work packages

Institutions

Fish Species

Researchers

Our Partners

Publications

Diversification of Aquaculture Production in Relation to Global Change: The Case of the Domestication of Indigenous Euryhaline Catfish Species (Siluriformes) in the Mekong River Delta, Viet Nam

WHY IT MATTERS?

Overall Objective:

Enhance the adaptability of aquaculture to rising and fluctuating salinity levels.
Reduce vulnerability to climate and market-related risks through species diversification.
Improve economic viability, employment, and income in the fish sector.
Mitigate water-related conflicts and support safer water use.
Reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and protect biodiversity.

Specific Objective:

Build the scientific, technical, and institutional foundations needed to develop a sustainable and profitable value chain for a selected euryhaline indigenous fish species.
Provide the enabling conditions for future upscaling based on a comprehensive theory of change.