Following on from the training event in Thailand, a similar programme was arranged for current and potential future award holders under the “Improving Farmed Fish Welfare in Asia” project in Vietnam. The meeting was hosted by Can Tho University College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, and led by staff of the University of Stirling, Institute of Aquaculture on 24-25th June 2024..

The programme involved a mix of inputs from the Stirling staff to help deepen understanding of aquatic animal welfare and how academic research can be focused to address the questions raised, and better understand underlying issues.

Participants at the Training Workshop in Can Tho

There was also an opportunity for existing grant holders to present their research to date. This involved the following short presentations:

Development and validation of morphological and biometric welfare indicators for basa fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in the Đồng Tháp (Mekong Delta) – Nguyen Kim Kha (Dong Thap Community College)
Perceptions of farmed fish welfare by different stakeholders: a focus on small-scale fish farms in Mekong Delta, Vietnam - Tran Minh Phu (Can Tho University)
The influence of physical enrichment (PE) on aggressive behavior of mud skipper (Periophthalmus schlosseri) – Tran Nguyen Duy Khoa (Can Tho University)
Assessing the status of awareness, behaviour, best practices and proposing solutions related to improving animal welfare in shrimp value chains in the Mekong River Delta in Viet Nam – Hoang Van Cuong (Vietnam Institute of Fisheries Economics and Planning)
Addressing the aquatic animal welfare gap in the Vietnamese education system – Pham Kim Long (Tra Vinh University)
Assessment of key factors affecting high mortality of Pangasius catfish at larvae/fry fish and fingerlings during transportation from the hatchery to nursing farm: A awareness strategy for improving the quality, survival rate of fingerling and fish welfare - Chau Thi Da (Ton Duc Thang University)
Assessment of interactions between sustainability and welfare issues in Vietnamese shrimp farms – Pham Thi Anh Ngoc (RMIT University, Vietnam)
Fish health and cost-benefit analysis of live holding systems in Vietnamese markets – Phan Do Trong Nghia (MSc Student, University of Stirling)

A presentation was also given by Huynh Nguyen Ha on behalf of the FAI Farms fish welfare project that is also funded by Open Philanthropy. This project has developed both teaching materials and a mobile app for on-farm scoring of tilapia welfare.

University of Stirling team arrive at the venue

Dr Tran Nguyen Duy Khoa from Can Tho University presents their work on mud skipper

Dr Pham Kim Long from Tra Vinh University presents their study of the Vietnamese education system

Dr Timothy Wiese from the University of Stirling discusses conceptual approaches to fish welfare

Dr Dave Little from the University of Stirling presents on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach

Lunch at the College of Aquaculture and Fisheries

Sea bass - Vietnamese style

Group work on project concepts

Group discussions

Dr Chau Thi Da (Ton Duc Thang University) presenting group work conclusions

Dr Nguyen Thi Tham (RMIT University) presenting group work conclusions

Dr David Little with local organiser, Dr Tran Minh Phu (Can Tho University)

In the latter part of the programme, participants considered key priorities in welfare research for Vietnam and current gaps and then worked in groups on specific research concept notes. This was supported with inputs on the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, and practical tools for problem analysis and research project design.

Further details about the programme and copies of the key presentations are available on this web page: https://www.susaquastirling.net/research-training

We would particularly like to thank Dr Tran Minh Phu and colleagues for looking after all local arrangements and hosting the event so well.