In April 2014, Viet Nam's fish production was estimated to hit 423,200 MT, up 3.3 per cent year on year, according to General Statistics Office.
The aquaculture output reached 190,600 MT, surging 1.8 per cent year-on-year. Of which, output of finfish got 143,900 MT (mainly pangasius), down three per cent and shrimp production reached 34,400 MT, up 25.1 per cent, reports VASEP.
In the month, pangasius production decreased due to lower farming area. Dong Thap 33,800 MT, down 11.2 per cent, An Giang 24,900 MT, down 2.4 per cent and Vinh Long 8,340 MT, down 9.5 per cent.
In term of shrimp farming, farmers continued to shift from farming black tiger shrimp to whiteleg shrimp due to its increased demand in domestic and export markets. Besides, whiteleg shrimp farming was given priority thanks to its short farming period, high productivity.
The capture production of the country in April was 232,600 MT, up 4.5 per cent year on year thanks to favorable weather. Of which, the marine catch reached 222,600 MT, increasing 4.8 per cent compared to last year.
In the first four months, fish production was estimated to gain 1,608,000 MT, up three per cent year on year in which aquaculture output was 689,000 MT, up 0.2 per cent and capture output hit 920,000 MT, up 5.3 per cent. Out of total capture output, marine catch was 872,000 MT, up 5.6 per cent.
However, tuna catch in the period decreased because of fishing method. Through April 2014, some provinces reported the decline in tuna output such as Binh Dinh 2,700 MT, down 18.4 per cent; Phu Yen with 2,500 MT, down 32.4 per cent.