Revista de Gestão da Zona Costeira

Abstrato

Integrated Multiple Species Aquaculture in the Protected Mangrove Areas in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam: A Case Study in Kien Giang

Thai Thanh Luom

The literature showed that aquaculture using a single species (shrimp) in allocated mangrove areas was common in many coastal provinces in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. By contrast, integrated multiple species aquaculture, operated in the Kien Giang protected mangrove areas for years, was inadequately reported. The inadequate reporting caused the difficulty in fully understanding this special farming system and its role in improving local livelihood. The fully understanding of this farming system and its role in local livelihood improvement will be a technical reference in the Mekong Delta. This study used participatory action research for documenting the operation of the Kien Giang integrated multiple species aquaculture. As a result, the Kien Giang farming system is comprehensively documented, with release pattern, harvest seasonality, total incomes, threats, and its relevant lessons. The comprehensive documentation adds a new dimension to the literature in this regard. The Kien Giang farming and its relevant lessons should be circulated to ensure effective replication elsewhere in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.