Climate change is making the weather increasingly erratic, with intense heat waves alternating with sudden thunderstorms. This poses many difficulties for the farming of saltwater and brackish-water shrimp in the coastal area of Nghe An. In this context, the shrimp farming in net houses model has become a technical solution that delivers clear results, helping farmers proactively control the environment and minimize production risks.
REDUCING HEAT STRESS, STABILIZING SHRIMP GROWTH
Shrimp farming has long been a strength in Nghe An, especially in coastal areas. However, in summer, high temperatures combined with solar radiation cause pond water temperatures to fluctuate sharply, leading to heat stress in shrimp, making disease outbreaks more likely and affecting productivity. Many farming households have had to face losses or abandon their crop.
The net house model — designed with a durable steel frame, UV-resistant polyethylene netting, and a pond-bottom liner — helps reduce temperatures by 3–4 degrees Celsius compared with outdoor ponds, limiting the growth of algae and harmful microorganisms. Shrimp grow faster, are less prone to disease, and the farming period is shortened, while the number of crops can increase to 3–4 per year instead of the traditional 1–2 crops.
A typical example is the model of Mr. Nguyen Cuong (Hamlet 9, An Chau Commune, former Dien Chau District), who invested in net houses for more than 1 hectare out of his family’s total 3 hectares of shrimp ponds. Although the initial investment cost amounts to hundreds of millions of VND per hectare, Mr. Cuong still considers it a worthwhile investment. Each year, he can sell 4–5 shrimp harvests with high and stable productivity and quality.
In addition, to maintain ideal pond conditions (around 30 degrees Celsius), the net house system is also combined with water wheels, aeration, and regular thermometer checks. This helps ensure stable oxygen levels, reduce stress and disease in shrimp, and produce market shrimp of uniform size, attractive color, and superior quality.
CHANGING THINKING, TOWARD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
According to Mr. Le Van Huong – Deputy Head of the Nghe An Sub-Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, the net house model not only helps farmers adapt to climate conditions but also marks a step forward in production thinking — from dependence on nature to proactively creating an optimal environment.
To date, the province has 105 high-tech shrimp farming facilities with a total area of more than 202 hectares, of which 51 facilities use net houses or floating cages, achieving productivity of 15–20 tons/ha/crop.
The net house is designed relatively simply, consisting of a sturdy metal frame and shading netting that can filter 30–50% of sunlight, helping reduce radiation, prevent summer heat, and retain warmth in winter. The net is secured with cables to ensure safety against strong winds and storms.
SUPPORT IS NEEDED FOR THE MODEL TO SPREAD
Despite its clear effectiveness, the initial investment cost remains a major barrier for many small-scale farmers. Therefore, authorities at all levels in Nghe An are actively implementing technical support policies, creating conditions for access to preferential loans, and encouraging the model to be replicated in suitable localities.
The shrimp farming in net houses model not only helps stabilize production and improve productivity but also contributes to protecting the ecological environment. This is an inevitable direction for sustainable fisheries development in the context of increasingly severe climate change.
Xuan Hoang
Source: https://baonghean.vn/
