Report from The Institute of Aquaculture at Nha Trang University:
Workshop Highlights and tHe Growing Impact of Pompano Welfare Awareness in Nha Trang
Group photo of the project team and key stakeholders at the workshop
Dr Vu Trong Dai - team leader introduced the workshop and general information about the project.
Within the broader framework of the "Improving Animal Welfare in Asia" initiative, the research team in Nha Trang, Vietnam recently marked a significant milestone with the completion of their project. They successfully organized a workshop to disseminate the findings of the study: "Perceptions of farmed fish welfare by different stakeholders: a focus on marine fingerlings finfish snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) in Nha Trang, Vietnam." (click here for project information). Held on the morning of April 18th, 2025, the event brought together over 30 key stakeholders from across the aquaculture spectrum.
The workshop served as a crucial platform to share the insights gained from the team’s four-month investigation into the technical aspects of juvenile pompano seed production, grow-out, and transportation, alongside a detailed analysis of current fish welfare practices and the perspectives of stakeholders in Khánh Hòa.
Team members presenting key findings of the projects
The discussions that followed were robust, with participants, including representatives from local fisheries management, aquaculture and feed companies, seafood trader, academia (including Nha Trang University scientists and lecturers), and local farmers, actively engaging with the results.
Discussion among the participants: farmers (top left), policy (top right), transporter (bottom left) and industry (bottom right)
In-depth discussions at the workshop sparked a demonstrable shift in perceptions and awareness
A guest speaker from seafood processing and export presented their perspective on fish welfare
Beyond the immediate success of the workshop, the project has demonstrably reshaped perceptions and amplified awareness of fish welfare among key Nha Trang stakeholders:
Farmers: The tangible introduction of fish welfare sparked hope for practical solutions to combat rising fish health challenges. Recognizing overlaps with existing practices, they expressed strong interest in further training and guidance.
Industry: Feed industry experts acknowledged the prevalent antimicrobial overuse, driven by economic factors and limited awareness. They lauded the project's potential to foster a deeper understanding of fish wellbeing and promote proactive, welfare-conscious approaches. A leading aquaculture company's initiative in establishing promising probiotic-based model farms signals a tangible shift and advocacy for wider public awareness.
Market: A major fish exporter emphasized the direct correlation between prioritizing fish welfare and achieving superior product quality, aligning with growing consumer demand for ethically sourced seafood and highlighting the clear market advantages.
Academia: Nha Trang University's aquaculture scientists and lecturers strongly integrated the project's findings into their curriculum, underscoring the critical need for ongoing research to broaden stakeholder understanding and inform effective regulatory guidelines.
A trial lecture integrating fish welfare into Marine finfish seed production and culture course
The workshop was well-received, and participant feedback highlighted the informative and illuminating findings. Many considered the results valuable and meaningful, prompting suggestions for further study and expressions of support for future initiatives. We believe this project has served as a helpful step towards raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of fish welfare within Nha Trang's vital pompano aquaculture sector. By highlighting existing strengths and addressing key knowledge gaps, we hope to have contributed to a more ethical, sustainable, and ultimately more prosperous future for fish farming in the region.
With thanks to TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋) for the banner photo