Background

Pangasius hypophthalmus is one of the major fish species in the Mekong River fishery, one of the largest and most important inland fisheries in the world. The traditional development of capture-based aquaculture for this species, particularly in Viet Nam and to a lesser extent in Thailand and Cambodia, probably began because it is a prolific spawner, producing relatively large numbers of larvae that are easily harvested from the flowing river.

Pangasius Simply Good

Main producer countries

The map shown below, is the output of the FAO statistics for Pangasius hypophthalmus producers countries. However, this does not present the whole story, since Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, China, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are also producers but do not report them separately.  

Habitat and biology

Originally known as Pangasius sutchii or Pangasius hypophthalmus, this riverine freshwater species is limited to the Mekong River, the Chaopraya River and possibly the Mekong basins in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thailand and Viet Nam, together with the Ayeyawady basin of Myanmar, within a range of 19 °N to 8 °N. The species has a variety of common English names including Sutchi catfish, iridescent shark-catfish, and striped catfish. It is called ‘Pa sooai’ and ‘Pa sooai khaeo’ in Laotian, ‘Pla Sawai’ in Thai, ‘Pra’ and ‘Trey pra’ in Khmer and ‘Cá Tra’ in Vietnamese.  

Like all Pangasiid species, P. hypophthalmus is a highly migratory riverine fish species that makes long-distance migrations over several hundred kilometres (potamodromous) between upstream refuge and spawning habitats and downstream feeding and nursery habitats. P. hypophthalmus is omnivorous, feeding on algae, higher plants, zooplankton, and insects, while larger specimens also take fruit, crustaceans and fish. 

Mature fish can reach a maximum standard total length of 130 cm and up to 44 kg in weight. This species is benthopelagic, typically living within the ranges of pH 6.5-7.5 and 22-26 °C. Females take at least three years to reach sexual maturity in captivity (being then over 3 kg in weight), while males often mature in their second year, probably taking about the same time in the wild. A mature 10 kg female can spawn over one million eggs. Wild broodstock typically spawn twice annually but in cages in Viet Nam have been recorded as spawning a second time 6 to 17 weeks after the first spawning.  

The life cycle of P. hypophthalmus is intimately tied to the annual monsoon flood cycle, with spawning taking place in May – June at the start of the monsoon season. In the dry season this and other species congregate and shelter in the deeper refuge areas. The spawning habitat consists of rapids and sandbanks interspersed with deep rocky channels and pools. The eggs are sticky eggs and are deposited onto the exposed root systems of rheophilic tree species like Gimenila asiatica.  

Aquaculture introductions have taken place to several other Asian countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar.

Cautious optimism for pangasius in 2022

There is currently strong global demand for pangasius, which coupled with reduced stocking for harvest in 2022 will likely see prices for pangasius continue to rise. At the same time producers are facing reduced margins as costs rise, particularly for shipping and labour. Viet Nam, the main global producer of pangasius, enjoyed a roaring trade in early 2021 followed by a sharp drop in output, as restrictions put in place in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country led to significantly reduced processing capacity. The ups and downs faced by the pangasius industry in 2021 led to great uncertainty in the market, with traders unable to place new orders for several consecutive months due to reduced stocks. While there are signs that the industry is recovering and could bounce back from a rocky year the road ahead remains uncertain.

Production

Global production of pangasius was approximately 8 percent lower in 2021 than 2020, bucking the 5-year trend that has seen global output grow consistently. Vietnamese production fell to around 1 200 000 tonnes in 2021 from 1 600 000 tonnes in 2020, and with limited stocking for harvest in 2022 there is expected to be  a tight global supply in the first half of 2022. National restrictions that followed a surge of COVID-19 cases starting in July 2021 reduced processing capacity and prevented farmers from emptying their ponds as their fish reached harvestable size. Farmers in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, where most of the world’s internationally traded pangasius is raised, were met with dwindling demand during peak harvest season, uncertain prospects, limited supplies of fingerlings and little space for restocking. These challenges, combined with the low farm gate prices seen for pangasius in 2020 and 2021, have left many in a difficult financial situation; it remains to be seen how many will be able to stay in business. While Viet Nam accounts for 40 percent of global pangasius production, there is a broadening interest in other countries for aquaculture of the species for the domestic market. India, China, Bangladesh and Indonesia all saw production increase in 2021. With the drop in Vietnamese production, these countries now account for close to 50 percent of global production. At present, almost the entirety of production in these countries is destined for the domestic market, and so has been largely insulated from fluctuations in prices and costs. 

What are species of Pangasius in Vietnam?

Following are fish belong to Pangasiidae family (Tra family) with Vietnamese name:

·     Helicophagus waandersii – Ca Tra chuot

·     Pangasius gigas – Ca Tra dau

·     Pangasius kunyit – Ca Tra ban

·     Pangasius hypophthalmus – Ca Tra nuoi

·     Pangasius micronema – Ca Tra

·     Pangasius larnaudii – Ca Vo dem

·     Pangasius sanitwongsei – Ca Vo co

·     Pangasius bocourti – Ca Basa

·     Pangasius macronema – Ca Xac soc

·     Pangasius pleurotaenia – Ca Xac bau

·     Pangasius conchophilus – Ca Hu

·     Pangasius polyuranodon – Ca Dua

·     Pangasius krempfi – Ca Bong lau

12 species among 13 as mentioned above belong to Pangasius family and one to Helicophasus family. However, two species of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus; Pangasius hypophthalmus (Tra) and Pangasius bocourti (Basa) have been culturing and developing in Vietnam.

What are scientific and commercial names of Vietnamese Pangasius?

The two following species are mainly reared in Vietnam:

–   Pangasius hypophthalmus; Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Other scientific names:   Pangasius sutchi, Helicophagus hypophthalmus, Pangasius macronemus.

Common names:            Tra, Swai, Sutchi catfish, Striped catfish, Silver striped catfish

Vietnamese name:          Tra

–     Pangasius bocourti

Other scientific names:   Pangasius pangasius

Common names:            Basa, basa fish, bocourti, Bocourti fish, Bocourti catfish.

Vietnamese name:          Basa.

What are biology characteristics of Tra and Basa fish?

Pangasius hypophthalmus/Pangasianodon hypophthalmus  – Tra

Tra is a fish with long body, grey black back, little white belly, big­ mouth and two pairs of barbells. The raising period varies from 6 to 8 months to reach the weight of 0,8 – 1,3 kg/fish. Tra fish mainly live in fresh water but also in blackish water (with salinity percent of 7 – 10‰), can bear in alum water (with pH level > 5), in hot tempreture up to 39oC but be easily died at temperature below 15oC. The volume of red corpuscles in Tra fish are much more than other fish. As the fish has an accessory respiratory organ and can also breathe with air bladder and skin, they can bear in the water lacking dissolved oxygen. The oxygen consumption and activity level of Tra fish is three times lower that the ones of a silver barb. 

Pangasius bocourti – Basa

Basa is also a fish with long body. The standard length of the body is equivalent to 2.5 times of the height of the body. It has a short, slight round and flat head, a wide forehead and a small mouth of which the width is less than 10% of the standard length and which is lightly askew the snout. Its teeth of the lower jaw are big and wide and can be seen when the mouth is close. It has two pair of barbells, the length of the pair at upper jaw is equal to the one of the head, and the whiskers are long to or over the end of pectoral fin. It has big eyes, belly and spleen, the back side of the body is flat, the back and the head have the grey green colour, and the belly has the silver-white colour. The height of the tail-end is more than 7% of the standard length of the body. The raising period varied from 10 to 13 months to reach commercial weight of 1 – 1.5 kg/fish.

As Basa fish has no accessory respiratory organ and requires an oxygen level higher than the one of Tra fish, it can poorly bear in water with low dissolved oxygen level. Basa mainly live in freshwater, can lightly bear in brackish water and in alum water with pH level > 5,5. The supported temperature is from 18 – 40oC and the minimum oxygen level is about 1,1 mg/litre. In general, Basa fish can not support in severe environmental conditions as much as Tra fish. Therefore, they are mainly raised in floating cage.

When does the Pangasius rearing exist in Vietnam?

Pangasius rearing has traditionally been carried out in the Southern of Vietnam since the 1950s.  Tra fish can be reared in pond or cage and Basa fish mainly in cage. 

Cage rearing was originated from Tonlesap of Cambodia and has initially been applied in Chau Doc, Tan Chau (An Giang province) and Hong Ngu (Dong Thap province) since 1950s by repatriate Vietnamese. With the advancement and completion of experience and techniques, cage rearing became complete and stable. The greatest number of cages in 2004 was 2,333 units. Up to April, 2009, the number of cages was just over 100 units.

Rearing Tra fish in pond has been started in Mekong River Delta since 1970s and until now most of Pangasius to process for export is used this way of aquaculture.

Where is the source of the breeding stock:

The source of Tra and Basa breeding stock initially depended on natural capture. Annually, at the beginning of lunar May, when rainwater from the upstream of the Mekong River drained out, fishermen in Tan Chau (An Giang) and Hong Ngu (Dong Thap) used a funnel shaped net, called “day” to catch fry. The later were transported to ponds and reared into fingerlings with a length of 7 – 10cm which were then sold to farmers in the whole Southern regions to be raised in pond or cage. Hatcheries were mostly located in Tan Chau, Chau Doc, Hong Ngu and islands of Tien River, such as Long Khanh, Phu Thuan. During the 1960s and 1970s, number of annually caught fry varied from 500 to 800 millions individuals, and of fingerlings from 70 to 120 millions.

Researches on artificial propagation of Pangasius in Vietnam were respectively undertaken in 1978 and 1990. The first successful artificial propagation had been done in May 1995 in laboratory of Can Tho University, under the framework of joint research between  the “Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement” (CIRAD) – France, University of Can Tho and Fisheries Import and Export Joint Stock Company (AGIFISH Co.). Until 1999, as Vietnam became active and socialized the artificial propagation of Tra and Basa breeding stock, the wild fry catching had been stopped. Since then, Pangasius culture in Vietnam becomes stable and has been dramatically increased. Pangasius production reached to 1.4 millions tons by the end of 2011.

In which provinces of Vietnam have Pangasius been raising?

Map of P_angasius aquaculture_ regions in Vietnam

Pangasius have been raising and developing mostly in 10 Mekong Delta River provinces of Vietnam, including: An Giang, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, and two provinces (Tay Ninh and Quang Nam) with total farming area of 5,509 hectares (in 2011) and up to 7,600 – 7,800 hectares in 2020. Provinces of Can Tho, An Giang and Dong Thap are the leading culture regions of Pangasius in the Mekong Delta, account for over 75% of the total national Pangasius production.

These provinces are mostly located in the lower part of Mekong River, which is divided into two main streams (Tien River – Mekong River and Hau River – Bassac River), connected to a huge number of rivers and canals, where are living a various of aquatic plants and animals, producing abundant feeds source.

What are nutritional values of Pangasius?

Main types of products originated from Pangasius?

Live Tra and Basa fish are processed to different types of products, including frozen and added value ones. Following are types of Tra and Basa fish products for export:

–    Whole fish

–    Slices

–    Fillet

–    Breaded fish

–    Basa cooked in clay pot

–    Steaks

How many countries/territories do they accept and consume Pangasius originated from Vietnam?

Vietnamese Pangasius are highly appreciated by local and international consumers, not only for its white muscle, high nutritious value, a little of tasted lipid content, without horizontal bones but also for its safety, without smells of sediment and seaweed.

Exports of Vietnamese Pangasius from Jan 2019 to Jan 2021

Vietnamese Pangasius products have been exported and consumed in 5 continentals with over 150 countries and territories:

–    EU (26/27 member countries: Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, United Kingdom,…).

–    Eastern Euprope (Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Poland,…).

–    North America (USA, Canada, Mexico).

–    South America (Venuzuela, Panama, Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina…).

–    ASEAN countries (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia,…).

–    China mainland and Hong Kong (China).

–    Asia (Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Singapore…).

–    Australia.

–    Middle East – North Africa (Egypt, UAE, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel,…).

Trade and markets

Pangasius trade is expected to see an increase in value coupled with a fall in volume in 2022. This is largely due to reduced production in Viet Nam, the main global producer, being countered by surging prices bolstered by high demand. The overall volume of trade in 2021 is estimated at around 500 000 tonnes, 16 percent lower than in 2020. Costs are high all round, from the continued high shipping costs to rising feed and labour costs, all of which are eating into the profit margins of exporters and pushing prices up.  Chinese imports have slumped in the second half of 2021. Although it remains the largest importer of pangasius by volume it is only just ahead of the United States of America by around 150 tonnes per month. This is a massive change; China’s share of global imports of pangasius in quantity terms dropped from 40 percent in previous years to 30 percent in 2021. Starting in the second half of 2021, key land shipment routes between China and Viet Nam saw major disruptions and delays, with Chinese authorities upping inspections and testing of food imports for COVID-19. Chinese imports of pangasius fell to 29 600 tonnes in the third quarter of 2021, less than half that seen in the same period in 2020. A lack of capacity to carry out inspection on the Chinese side of the border led to thousands of refrigerated trucks stuck at the key Mong Cai crossing in Northern Viet Nam in December 2021. In mid-January 2022 Quang Ninh province announced a temporarily ban on most food transport vehicles, so as not to add to the backlog of vehicles already waiting to be processed at the border. Following Lunar New Year, the situation appears to be improving, with increased staffing at border control points in China. Cambodia is being considered for permission to export pangasius to China, with three production facilities and one processing plant having been inspected by Chinese authorities so far, and if approved could start exports from the second quarter of 2022. Cambodia produces close to 76 000 tonnes of pangasius a year, an already respectable figure that would likely increase if they gain access to the Chinese market. 

The US pangasius market has increased greatly in importance since the onset of the pandemic, absorbing ever more of this species. As Chinese demand faltered in the second half of 2021, US imports reached new heights, valued at USD 52 million for the month of December 2021, a year-on-year increase of 109 percent. With anticipated tight supplies of competing whitefish in 2022 and a return to normal in the hospitality sector US demand for pangasius is likely to persist at current high levels.  

What Vietnam has done to switch Pangasius from “red list” to “toward certification” in WWF’s seafood guide for fish lovers in EU countries?

WWF’s members in 6 EU countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark put Vietnam pangasius in to the Red List” (product shouldn’t be used) from the Orange List (product that can be considered for use) in WWF’s Seafood Guide for fish lovers 2010. The information was withdrawed from survey on assessing over 100 fish species in the world under WWF’s renewed criteria for sustainable development.

Vietnam rejected WWF International’s assessment on Vietnam pangasius at some respects. If the assessment was carried out in right way with consultation of relevant multi-sides and experts in fish production, pangasius should be placed at blue or near blue list.

WWF based on data collected from 89 farms with area of 360 hectares and 28 farming establishments and 4 hatcheries from an other document to release evaluations on pangasius.

The organizations didn’t use to visit Vietnam and provided evaluations only based on available documents. Research method set out by WWF International, the North Sea Foundation (NSF), the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) was relied on 19 questions. These questions depend on answers from many different people, leading different conclusions.

December 15th 2010:

Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish), Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Viet Nam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) and some other Ministries had a dialogue with WWF International delegation led by Mr. Mark Powell, WWF’s Global Seafood Programme director. At the direct dialogue, WWF agreed to remove Vietnam Pangasius from the Red List in Seafood Guide and recommended consumers to continue using this product.

Mr. Mark Powell was highly appreciated Vietnam pangasius quality that is on sale in the EU markets and a lot of other foreign markets. He himself loves this product. He emphasized that Seafood Guide for Consumers was just a guide to advice consumers on purchasing environmentally friendly and sustainable products and should not be seen as a trade barrier that the U.S imposed on Vietnam fish.

Mr. Mark Powell admitted his mistake in assessing the facts on Vietnam Pangasius only based on available data of 2008-2009 without considering reality.

December 17th 2010:

Under witness by D-Fish, WWF International and WWF Vietnam, VINAFIS and VASEP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sustainable development cooperation of  pangasius production sector. Accordingly, VINAFIS and VASEP were in charge of popularizing information and training fish farmers and producers towards sustainable development. WWF International and WWF Vietnam must realize its 5 commitments, including the withdrawal of pangasius from WWF’s Red List, financial and human resource assistance to help Vietnam fish industry develop in a sustainable way.

After the MoU, WWF’s members in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Denmark withdrew Vietnam fish out of the Red List. WWF Sweden is the last one to implement this commitment. 

Vietnam Pangasius is now placed in a new “towards certification” category of WWF’s Seafood Guide for consumers in EU countries.

What are the developments of Vietnamese pangasius anti-dumping case in the US?

¹ General information of the case

–   Starting date: 28th June 2002

–   Product: pangasius HS-code 1604.19.4000, 1604.19.5000, 0305.59.4000, 0304.29.6033

–    On 12th August 2003, DOC announced antidumping tariff for Vietnamese pangasius at 36.84-63.88%.

–    There have been 10 periods of reviews (POR), the first Sunset Review in 2009 and the second Sunset Review in 2014.

–    International Trade Commission (ITC) voted that the revoke of tariffs would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic catfish industry. The antidumping tariff is then continued to be applied.

¹ US regulations on Sunset Review

Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA) of the US ruling that Department of Commerce (DOC) must lift an anti-dumping duty or countervailing duty after five years, unless DOC and ITC concluded that lifting of tariffs could lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and injure the US domestic industry.

ITC will announce the reviews, requesting related parties to show possible damages when the antidumping tariff is lifted and other information. Normally within 95 days from the announcement, ITC will decide whether a full review is needed or not, basing on replies of related parties. A full review consists of a public hearing and questionnaire. Public hearing or additional investigation is not carried out in expedited reviews. ITC concludes on expedited review basing on the available data, including the previous conclusions on damgages and reviews of ITC, replies from related parties, related data collected by ITC and information from DOC.

¹ Final POR results

How are Pangasius produced?

Production cycle of Pangasius hypophthalmus

Production systems

Seed supply

In the Mekong delta of Viet Nam the capture of wild Pangasius hypophthalmus seed for aquaculture stocking has been entirely replaced by the stocking of hatchery-produced seed. However, operations in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and, to a lesser extent, Thailand still use wild-captured juveniles as seed for cage and pond culture.  

Mature broodstock P. hypophthalmus are induced to spawn in hatcheries using HCG or HCG and pituitary gland extract. Female broodstock are given between 2-4 hormone injections while males are injected only once when the female resolving dose is given. Broodstock are spawned in single pairs or in larger numbers and are usually dry stripped. The eggs are incubated in conical shaped jars made either of stainless steel or glass, with up-welling water flow to keep the eggs in suspension. Depending on water temperature, the eggs hatch usually hatch within 22-24 hours. Yolk sac absorption takes a further 24 hours. The larvae are transferred from the hatchery just prior to full yolk sac absorption

Nursery

Nursing is done in 2 separate stages to reduce stocking density. Earthen nursery ponds, typically 1 000-5 000 m2, are pre-prepared by drying (1-3 days, depending on season), liming (1 t/ha), filling and stocking with Moina (20-30 kg/ha). Water supplied to nursery ponds is filtered through fine meshed cloth to exclude predators. In the first nursing phase larvae are stocked at 400-500/m2 just prior to yolk sac absorption, so that natural feeds are available and the larvae have enough space to avoid cannibalism. Water is only topped up and is not exchanged during the nursery phase unless water quality deterioration is obviously causing stress. Boiled egg yolk and soybean meal mixed into an emulsion is fed 5 -6 times a day for the first 2 weeks. Thereafter commercial pellets are fed.  

After 4 weeks, following a 24 hour starvation period the nursery ponds are partially (about 1/3 depth) gravity drained and then pumped dry, and the 0.3-1 g fry are harvested by seine net and transferred and stocked at 150-200/m2 in another pre-prepared pond without Moina. Typical larvae to fry survival rate during the first nursing stage is 40-50 per cent. In the second nursing stage, from fry to 14-20 g fingerlings, survival rates over the 2 month nursing period are typically 60-70 per cent.  

In the Mekong delta of Vietnam the majority of fingerlings are transported from nursery facilities to grow-out farms in transport tanks with continuously pumped water that are carried in boats. Fingerling transport is done early in the morning to avoid direct sunlight. Transportation of fingerlings overland is less commonly conducted; this involves using metal drums with car battery powered aeration. Additionally, transportation overland for very short distances can be carried out in metal drums without aeration.

Ongrowing techniques

Being a facultative air breather P. hypophthalmus tolerates dissolved oxygen as low as 0.05 to 0.10 mg/litre, highly polluted water (chemical oxygen demand = 25), and can be stocked at densities as high as 120/m2.  

The three most common on-growing monoculture systems are earthen ponds, net cages and net pens. The latter two are sited on major river tributaries of the Mekong River delta. Small-scale integrated pond polyculture systems, which were previously common, are being phased out.  

Ponds  

Earthen ponds (typically ranging from 1 000 to 10 000 m2) are of simple design and are sited adjacent to or near river tributaries. Producers aerate the ponds and exchange water for several hours daily during the culture period by tidal exchange and pumping; this reduces muddy off-flavour and produces whiter flesh. Despite recommendations from government extension agencies to stock 20-40 fish/m2, intensive monoculture ponds are usually stocked at 40-60/m2, with some grow-out farmers stocking even higher. Yields reach 250-300 tonnes/ha/crop, exceptionally reaching 500 tonnes/ha/crop in ponds. Striped catfish reach 1.0-1.5 kg after 6 months or less, depending on the size of fingerlings stocked. Today (2010) few striped catfish monoculture grow-out producers can be described as ‘small-scale’ because the minimum harvest from a single pond is usually 50 tonnes or more.  

Net cages  

Net cages are sited on major river tributaries of the Mekong River delta and range in size from 50 to 1 600 m3 with larger cages commonly having living quarters above the water. Ongrowing cages are typically stocked at 100-150/m3 and yields are typically 100-120 kg/m3/crop.  

Net pens  

Stocking densities for pen systems are typically 40-60/m2, producing yields of 300-350 tonnes/ha/crop, although levels as high as 500 tonnes/ha/crop have been are reported.

Feed supply

In the 1990’s, most Vietnamese striped catfish ongrowing producers used farm-made feeds prepared from various ingredients, including trash fish, rice bran, soybean meal, blood meal, broken rice, cottonseed flour, milk, eggs and vegetables (e.g. water spinach and green peas), supplemented with Vitamin C and E premixes. The ingredients are mixed together, cooked and fed in balls or extruded into noodle strands or pellets.  

From 2008, with food safety concerns and fluctuating farm-made feed quality, there is now an increasing trend towards the use of commercial pellets. The unit cost of farm-made feeds is cheaper but these feeds have FCRs of 2.8-3.0:1 and cause greater water quality deterioration. The feed conversion ratio of P. hypophthalmus fed commercial pellets is typically 1.7-19:1. Larger-scale producers in Viet Nam only use commercial pellets, while medium-scale grow-out producers typically usually use commercial pellets for the first month and the last month of the ongrowing period and farm-made feeds for the middle four months. This technique reduces the cost of each kilogram of fish produced despite the higher FCRs of farm-made feeds. Depending on rearing intensity feed represents 65-85 percent of ongrowing costs.

Harvesting techniques

Striped catfish are harvested from ponds by netting, following partial tidal gravity drainage and pumping. Cages are harvested by raising the cage netting by hand. It is normal for an entire pond or cage to be harvested at a single time to meet the large volume requirements of processing plants. Net pens are harvested by seine netting on spring low tides.

What are farming techniques of Pangasius in Mekong River Delta in Vietnam?

Advanced Farms Standards are widely applied in farming: SQF1000CM, BAP and GAP.

Since 1940-1950: farming in small farms mainly in An Giang, Dong Thap (wild-caught fingerlings).

Since 1981-1982: Trial of intensive farming in small pond (wild-caught fingerlings).

Since 1996-1999: intensive farming in pond and cage (wild-caught and artificial fingerlings).

Since 2001-2004: Develop farming in cage and pond with change from self processed feed to industrial feed (artificial fingerlings).

Since 2005 so far: switch from cage farming, net enclosure to super-intensive farming pond (artificial fingerlings).

Now, Vietnam farmers raise fish in system of advanced farming ponds which meet safety and sustainability requirements, satisfying consumers’ requirements such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, BAP, ASC…

Which standards have been applying in Pangasius farms in Vietnam?

Pangasius farms are required to meet hygiene and veterinary conditions and to be in compliance with following Vietnamese regulations: 

–    Circular No.22/2014/TT-BNNPTNT dated July 29 2014 regulating National Technical Standards on conditions for aquaculture.

–    QCVN 02-20:2014/BNNPTNT on national technical standards pangasius farms (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878) – ensuring veterinary hygiene, environmental protection, food safety.

–    Decision No. 1990 / QD-BKHCN August 4, 2014 issuing National standards.

–    National Standards 9963:2014 Freshwater Fish – Pangasius  – Technical Requirements.

–    Decree No. 36/2014/ND-CP dated April 29, 2014, on raising, processing, and exporting pangasius.

–    Decision No. 130/2008/QD-BNN dated December 31, 2008 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development promulgating the Regulation on control of harmful substances residues in aquaculture fish and products thereof.

–    Circular 44/2010 / TT-BNN dated July 22, 2010 on conditions on food safety and hygiene-guaranteed intensive pangasius rearing area.

– The Circular No. 03/2011/TT-BNNPTNT dated January 21st 2011 regulating traceability and revoking aquatic products which fail to ensure food safety and hygiene.

Apart from the respect of master plan of farming zones, environment and food safety aspects as required by Vietnamese regulations, rearing zones and establishments have also applying international standards as required by client to ensure sustainable development with 4 criteria criterias: food safety, environment responsibility, social responsibility and traceability. International standards include: 

– VietGAP;

– GLOBAL G.A.P (Global Good Agricultural Practice)  ;

– BAP (Best Aquaculture Practice);

– ASC;

– SQF 1000CM (Safe & Quality Food).

How does the Vietnamese Government control the water source quality for Pangasius farming and what are the results?

The Vietnamese Government and people living in the Mekong Delta pay much attention to the food safety issues and sustainable development of Pangasius farming industry. The quality of farming water becomes the first interest factor. The setting up of regulations and standards, of competent authorities in charge and the operation of Research Aquaculture Institutes and Monitoring Centers for Aquaculture environment and Epidemic are three main topics to be particularly focused.

1. Regulations and standards: Based on scientific results of Codex, importing countries and researches on Vietnamese conditions, the Vietnamese Government has promulgated several effective regulations and standards on planning aquaculture zones and environment, quality of water source and food hygiene conditions, etc….

 ·         QCVN 02-20:2014/BNNPTNT National technical standards pangasius farms (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878) – ensuring veterinary hygiene, environmental protection, food safety.

 ·         National Standards 9963:2014 Freshwater Fish – Pangasius  – Technical Requirements.

 ·    National Standards QCVN 01-80:2011/BNNPTNT on establishment of aquaculture for human consumption -. Condition for veterinary hygiene.

·         QCVN 38:2011/BTNMT National Technical Standards on surface water quality for protection of aquatic life.

·         The decision No. 130/2008/QĐ-BNN  dated December 31st 2008 of MARD promulgating regulations of contaminant residue control in animal and aquatic products.

·         The circular No.44/2010/TT-BNN dated July 22th 2010 of MARD providing for conditions on food safety and hygiene-guaranteed intensive pangasius -rearing establishments and zones.

2. Competent authorities: in charge of state management and enforcement of regulations on planning, safe and hygiene conditions and quality of farming water source. Vietnam has a system of competent agencies from central to local in charge of implementing state management in aquaculture

1.     Competent authorities under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) include:

a/   Central level:

– The National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) with 6 Branches nationwide.

–    Department of Animal Health.

–    Department of Aquaculture (under Department of Fisheries)

b/  Local level:

Provincial Sub-Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development.

2.    Research Institutes and Monitoring Centers for Aquaculture environment and Epidemic:

Monitoring Centers for Aquaculture environment and Epidemic under Research Institutes for Aquaculture have implementing the “Surveillance and Monitoring Program for aquaculture environment in Mekong River valley” in the riverhead, middle and lower parts of the Mekong River. Monitoring results showed that parameters on the quality of farming water source (pH, turbidity, salinity, DO, BOD, NH3,…) were at tolerance levels and met standards for freshwater fish farming.

In 2009, scientists of Aquaculture and Fisheries Group-Wageningen University (Netherlands, researching agencies under MARD (Aquaculture Department, Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2-RIA2), Van Lang University, Can Tho University, Vinh Long Department of Agriculture and Rural Development implemented the research “Environmental impact assessment of the pangasius sector in the Mekong Delta” (see: www.pangasius-Vietnam.com).

The result of the research indicated that about 2% of the Mekong river water passed through the pangasius ponds. The effect on water quality was limited because sedimentation, mineralisation, and infiltration occur in ponds. The contribution of the production ponds to water pollution depends on the way farmers manage their sludge. In the worst case, the sector contributes 2.4% to the N and 3.7% to the P content of the river; while on-land sediment recovery and recycling may reduce these to less than 0.05%. You can click the link for more information (http://edepot.wur.nl/8332).

The National Monitoring Program for certain harmful substances residues in aquaculture fish has been implementing since 2000 by NAFIQAD but contaminants residues (heavy metals, pesticides…) have not been detected or been detected below MRLs in pangasius farming water and flesh.

Results of the above mentioned Programs show that the water source of the Mekong River has not biologically and physically been polluted and is suitable for aquaculture, in compliance with regulations on food hygiene and safety.

The effective control of safety and hygiene conditions in aquaculture and processing of fishery products in general, Pangasius in particular for export to the EU has been recognized by the European Competent Authorities (Food and Veterinary Office – FVO, Directorate General for Health and Consumers) during its recent regular inspections.

Have Pangasius farms been inspected and certified?

Yes, they have!

To avoid and control the use of chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture and pangasius farming in particular, the NAFIQAD has implementing since 1999 the National Monitoring Program for certain harmful substances residues in aquaculture fish and carrying out inspections on veterinary and hygiene conditions, in line with Vietnamese regulations. The program is monthly carried out. The program result has not detected or detected below MRLs for contaminants residues (heavy metals, pesticides…). The Program has regularly been inspected by competent authorities of the EU,USA, Canada… that gave also good evaluation on organizational structure, legislation system and practical control.

Up to now, nearly 3,000 hectares (around 50 percent) of pangasius farming area have been receiving different sustainable certificates:  GlobalGAP, AquaGAP, BAP, SQF-1000, ASC…

What kinds of feeds are used in Pangasius farming? What are relevant regulations on feed control?

Currently, most feeds are commercially produced in palleted form, manufactured in factories with good quality control. Some farms produce homemade feeds. Raw materials are selected and processed to ensure protein content of 15-25%. Some methods of mixing feed are shown as below:

Feeds and additional ingredients:

– Feeds and additional ingredients must belong to the list of aquatic feed legally circulated in Vietnam.

– Quality of homemade feeds for pangasius must suit National standards 10300:2014 mixed feeds for pangasius and tilapia.

National technical standards QCVN 01-77:2011/BNNPTNT on Animal feed mill – Conditions for veterinary hygiene and food safety.

National technical standards QCVN 01-78:2011/BNNPTNT on Animal feeding stuffs – Criteria of safety and maximum level in animal feed stuff.

How can the chemicals and antibiotics be used in aquaculture?

The use of chemicals and antibiotics, bioproducts, treated and renovated substances in aquaculture must belong to the list legally circulated in Vietnam.

v  Circular No. 15/2009/TT-BNN dated March 17, 2009, to promulgate the List of medicines, chemicals and antibiotics banned or limited from usage.

v  Circular No. 29/2009/TT-BNNPTNT dated June 4, 2009 on supplementing and adjusting the Circular No.15/2009/TT-BNN dated March 17, 2009, signed by the Minister of MARD on the List of medicines, chemicals and antibiotics banned or limited from usage.

v  Circular No. 20/2010/TT-BNNPTNT dated April 2, 2010 on supplementing and adjusting the Circular No.15/2009/TT-BNN dated March 17, 2009, signed by the Minister of MARD on the List of medicines, chemicals and antibiotics banned or limited from usage.

v  Circular No. 03/2012/TT-BNNPTNT dated Janaury 16, 2012 on amending and supplementing the Circular No. 15/2009/TT-BNN of March 17, 2009, promulgating List of medicines, chemicals and antibiotics banned or limited from usage.

  1. List of chemicals and antibiotics banned for use in fishery production and trading

Below list applied for Animal feed, veterinary medicines, chemicals, environmental treatment substances, disinfectants, preservation substances , hand cream used in seedproduction, aquaticanimal and amphibians culture, fishery services, preservation and processing activities.

2. List of chemicals and antibiotics banned for veterinary use

3. List of chemicals and antibiotics restricted for use in fishery production and trading

4. List of chemicals and antibiotics restricted for veterinary use

Which models of Pangasius organic farming have been applied in Vietnam?

In the future, demand for sustainable seafood products will be on an upward trend. Achieving certificates of international standards will help enterprises raise its competitiveness and create a firm position in the international markets.

Several Pangasius farms have been set up and implemented organic farming models, in compliance with international standards:

1.   Model of Green Farm (applying AquaGAP standard) have been undertaking in Dong Thap province, by Vinh Hoan Joint-Stock Company. Principles to be respected: compliance with Government master-plan, environment protection and friendliness, social responsibilities, farmed fish health, food safety and traceability.

2.   Model of Organic farming in An Giang province, jointly invested by BINCA Seafood (head office located in Germany) has been inspected and certified by NaturLand. Organic farmed Tra  fish are exported to Germany and certain European countries during the recent years.

3.   Tra farming model by applying GlobalGAP (with principles: social and environment responsibilities, food hygiene and safety, friendly and sustainable traceability) has been highly appreciated by European wholesalers and consumers.

4.   Fresh fish raising models such as PurePanga, TracePanga are highly appreciated by authorities and customers.

5.   Many businesses have been applying and achieved BAP (Best Aquaculture Practice). BAP, set of standards developed by Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), is the leading standard for supply chain. This has been taken into consideration by many retailers and distributors across the US.

6.   Many businesses have been applying and achieved standards of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). ASC certified pangasius products are suggested by retailers and consumers to promote food safety and responsibility to society and environment.

7.   VietGAP standards, harmonizing international standards on sustainability including ASC, GlobalGAP, BAP, are applied to Vietnamese pangasius industry from 2014.

How can we do to ensure that harvested fish for processing are totally free of antibiotics residues?

Strict procedures have been respected during the aquaculture and sampling for banned antibiotics residues tests:

1.    The use of chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture is required to be recorded and in compliance with current regulations and standards.

2.    The competent authority in charge of food safety carries out regular control and inspections, including the use of chemicals and antibiotics in aquaculture.

3.    The third party undertakes regular control and inspections  to ensure the compliance with current regulations.

4.    Before harvesting, processing establishment will come to the farm and sample at each pond for antibiotics tests. Only in case of negative testing result, fish can be harvested and supply to processing plants.

Have Vietnamese processing establishments been applying quality management programs and food safety guarantee?

Yes, they have and very well! Vietnam is classified in the 2nd rank in the world, in term of the number of EU approved fishery processing establishments. 461 factories, accounting for 75.5% Vietnamese factories  certified by EU on 13th October 2014, taken into power from 26th October 2014.

During the last ten years, the Vietnamese Government has promulgated regulations and standards in compliance with the EU and US Food and Drug Administration and also required establishments to set up and implement HACCP based quality management programs.

The majority of establishments meet not only Vietnamese regulations and standards but also international ones and is certified by foreign accreditation bodies and clients with BRC, IFS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, SQF2000, BAP, Halal, etc…

Does the Vietnamese Government regulate and carry out inspections on hygiene conditions of pangasius processing plants?

Yes, it does! NAFIQAD, the competent authority in charge, has been recognized by the EU, Canada, Korea,…) equivalent in term of competencies to effectively control the quality and safety of fishery products intended for export.

The Vietnamese Government has promulgated regulations on the control of hygiene conditions at fishery processing establishments (including pangasius), specifically:

1. Decree No. 36/2014/ND-CP dated April 29, 2014, on raising, processing, and exporting pangasius.

2. Circular No 48/2013/TT-BNNPTNT stipulating the inspection and certification of food safety for export fishery product.

3. The Circular No.14/2009/TT-BNN dated  March 12, 2009 guiding environmental management in seafood processing.  

4. QCVN 02-14: 2009/BNNPTNT:  National technical standard on industrial aquatic feed producing plants – Conditions for food safety and hygiene, veterinary sanitation and environmental protection.

5. QCVN 02-02: 2009/BNNPTNT:  National technical standard on seafood trading and producing plants- Food safety and quality guarantee program under HACCP regulation.

6. QCVN 02-01:2009/BNNPTNT: National technical standard on seafood trading and producing plants – general conditions for ensuring food safety and hygiene.

7. QCVN 02 – 08: 2009/BNNPTNT: National technical standard on seafood ice water producing plants – Conditions for food safety and hygiene guarantee.

8. QCVN 02 – 09: 2009/BNNPTNT: Conditions for food safety and hygiene: seafood cold storage facility – Conditions for food safety and hygiene guarantee.

The use of food additives in pangasius processing, is it in compliance with requirements of importing countries and controlled by Vietnamese competent authority?

Yes! On April 29, 2014, the government issued Decree No. 36/2014/ND-CP dated, on raising, processing, and exporting pangasius.

For food additives:

The Decision regulates that food additives used in processing should be in the list of food additives authorized for use by competent authority of importing country (for export products) and of Vietnam (for domestic consumption products). The quantity of food additives used in the product is not allowed to exceed the MRLs authorized for each type of product.      

For the labelling:

The labelling of frozen fish products should be in compliance with Vietnamese regulations (for domestic consumption products) and importing country’s requirements (for export products) which are to ensure the accuracy of the product nature and do not be opposite to Vietnamese regulations. Apart from labelling information as required by Vietnam and importing countries, net weight and gross weight (including fish, glazing water and package) or quantity of glazing water in the fish have to be clearly stated on the label.

Non-compliance consignments shall not be granted with a certificate for export or placing into domestic market and be treated in compliance with current Vietnamese regulations. Competent authorities of importing countries and client shall be informed of intentional violation cases.

Wild and farmed fish compared: pangasius, remarkably responsible.

Local is not always better

Consumers have the impression that wild-caught means that an old, wrinkled fisherman wrestled the fish from the depths of the ocean and managed to put it on their plate in quick time.  However, this does not mean that the fish is actually tastier, healthier, or – according to studies – more sustainable.  

For one, industrial fishing has a negative effect on the ecosystem and the bottom of the sea. Bottom trawling – a practice in which huge nets are dragged across the ocean floor – wreaks fragile ecosystems and ocean habitats. Next to that, wild fishery has lots of bycatch. Many other fish species, dolphins and even turtles unintentionally get caught whilst fishing for a specific kind.

Then there is overfishing – depleting the stock of fish by excessing fishing, which affects the ocean’s carbon storage ability contributing to the climate crisis. No good, right? This shows that the ecological impact is far lower than wild fish – making farmed pangasius a more responsible choice. And that’s not all there is to it.

The energy that brings fish to your table

A study from the University of Wageningen shows that in terms of energy, the pangasius does a good job. The amount of power used ­– for boats and water circulation systems – is in most cases similar or even lower than the energy used to catch wild. Looking at the arctic char, panga is even ten times more efficient!

Feed conversion efficiency

Let’s talk fish feed. Measuring the efficiency with which the animals convert feed to the desired output is a major indicator of the environmental impact of the delicious piece of meat – or fish – on your plate. Desired output with lower feed equals high efficiency in feed conversion, thus entailing a smaller carbon footprint and reduced damage to the planet. Of all meat types (fish, chicken, pork and beef) the feed conversion ratio is lowest (or most efficient) for fish.

Social impact

The one thing to look for, to know for sure that your farmed fish is sustainably sourced, is an ASC-certified label.  All ASC labelled pangasius adhere to the strict guidelines of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, which focuses on biodiversity, feed, pollution, disease control and social impact. With an ASC label, consumers can know that they are buying a healthier product without all the damage to the environment and socio-economic welfare. Next time when you’re in the grocery store, look for the ASC certification on your pangasius. In Western Europe, all pangasius that you find in grocery stores have the label, so you can rest assured that the laborers behind the processing of your fish work under equitable labor environments, earn a decent wage, and that the farm positively contributes to their communities and the local environment.