KHÁNH HÒA — The south-central coastal province of Khánh Hòa holds significant potential for developing modern, high-value aquaculture.

It boasts a 500-kilometre coastline with over 200 islands, numerous sheltered bays and lagoons, along with vast fishing grounds and abundant marine resources.

Furthermore, the province is investing in key infrastructure, including fishing ports, boat anchorage areas and fishery centres. It currently houses 82 seafood processing facilities, exporting products to 64 countries worldwide.

A representative from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment said the value of seafood exports has continued to rise since 2024.

The province's total seafood exports in 2024 and 2025 reached US$829.6 million and $870 million, placing the localities among the top five localities nationwide in seafood exports.

According to the Khánh Hòa Sub-department of Fisheries, Marine and Island, total aquaculture and exploitation output in 2025 reached 106,890 tonnes, up 0.97 per cent compared to the previous year.

Of this total, exploitation accounted for 90,091 tonnes, while aquaculture contributed 16,799 tonnes, indicating a substantial supply of raw materials for processing.

The industry also provides jobs for over 82,000 local workers in the area.

In addition, high-tech marine aquaculture models are a highlight, opening a new development direction for the province's industry.

Lê Đình Chiêm, head of the sub-department, said the province has granted licenses to five individuals to raise yellow-fin pomfret and grouper on an area of ​​1,000sq.m of water surface each, with an expected yield of 20-30 tonnes per year.

These individuals are pioneers in high-tech marine aquaculture in the Đầm Bấy area of Vĩnh Nguyên Ward.

This is also the first time this model has operated three to six nautical miles offshore, showcasing significant potential for offshore aquaculture.

However, the province still faces several challenges, including unsynchronised aquaculture and processing infrastructure, numerous small-scale facilities and limited application of technology in production and processing.

Furthermore, there are insufficient investments in fishery infrastructure and a lack of coordination among related departments to utilise capital, apply technological advancements and boost product sales to help localities build value chains for seafood processing and consumption.

To deal with it, Khánh Hòa Provincial People's Committee is refining policies to attract investment in deep processing, modernise technology and develop high value-added products. They are also strengthening regional linkages, expanding markets and improving product quality.

These efforts aim to promote sustainable development, boost export value, create jobs and establish the marine economy as a provincial pillar. — VNS