whiteWfd in vietnam

Address: Dinh bang, Tu Son, Bac Ninh, Vietnam
Phone: +84 3 827 3069; Fax: +84 3 827 3070
Email: banbientap@ria1.org; website: www.ria1.org
Vice Minister Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu visited Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1
Election for Scientific Committee of the Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1
Production of SPF Vannamei broodstock in Vietnam
White feces disease in black tiger shrimp Penaaeus monodon and solutions for
disease prevention
Capacity building for the development of cold water fish farming in Vietnam
NEWSLETTER
RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR AQUACULTURE No.1
Issue 2
Apr - Jun 2011

2 RIA1’s Newsletter. Issue 2 (Apr - Jun 2011)
Printing license number: 37/GP-XBBT, 25 April 2011, Authority of Press, Ministry of Information and Communications
This document is copyrighted by Research Institute for Aquaculture No1
No reproduce at any mean without agreement of Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1

EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief
Phan Thi Van
Deputy Editor
Nguyen Huu Ninh
Editorial members
Nguyen Huu Nghia
Mai Van Tai
Nguyen Thi Thu Hien
Nguyen Thi Dieu Phuong
Vu Thi Ngoc Lien
Tran Thi Kim Chi
Hoang Nhat Son
Tran Anh Tuan
Chu Chi Thiet
Secretary
Hoang Thu Thuy
English editor of this issue
Tran Van Nhuong
Cover page’s photo: National
Broodstock Center for Mariculture in
Northern Vietnam, RIA1.
Taken by: Cao Truong Giang
In This Issue
Editor-in-Chief’s letter
News
Successful induced breeding of rainbow trout
Onchorhynchus mykiss at Sapa - Lao Cai 9
Restocking of fish species to meet conservation and
development purposes in Uncle Ho pond at President
Mausoleum 11
Production of SPF Vannamei broodstock in Vietnam 12
Clown Knife fish Chitala ornata (Gray, 1831), a new
aquaculture species with high potential in the North
of Vietnam 13
White feces disease in black tiger shrimp Penaaeus
monodon and solutions for disease prevention 14
Research on grow out techniques and artificial
reproduction of pond loach Misgurnus
anguilicaudatus (Cantor,1842) 16
Land based clam aquaculture development as an
alternative livelihood in Vietnam 17
Capacity building for the development of cold water
fish farming in Vietnam 19
Thesis defense ceremony for Master of Science in
Aquaculture batch 18 20
Experts from Research Institute for Aquaculture
No.1 working in Namibia 21

Editor-in-Chief’s letter
Dear readers,
The second quarter of the year is an
important period for aquaculture in
Northern Vietnam. During this time,
the farmers have to implement many
important farming activities such as
breeding, nursing and stocking for grow-out.
Likewise in the second quarter, subordinates of
Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 swiftly carry
out the assigned science and technology tasks as
well as the supporting aquaculture technical
activities, seed production, fish disease and
environment management for the famers.
Furthermore the last six months work has been
reviewed by the RIA1’s staff and adjustments of the
activities have been made for the rest of the year.
Together with implementing 2011 tasks, the findings
or achievements of several projects scheduled to
end in 2010 have successfully been defended and
wrapped-up; researchers are now focusing on
developing new research proposals to participate in
bidding for the tender for 2012’s science and
technology tasks. In another field, 19 aquaculture
MSc students of batch 18 of the education
cooperation program between RIA1 and Hanoi
Agriculture University have graduated. All students
successfully defended their research and passed the
exam with either very good or excellent grades.
This newsletter presents to the readers many of RIA1’s
activities carried out during the last quarter.
Unfavorable weather with high temperatures and
storming season has come, in order to overcome
those constraints and carry-out successfully the
tasks, it needs strong efforts from the Institute’ staffs.
But I believe that with the collective intelligence and
efforts, all the RIA1 staffs will successfully complete
their assigned tasks.
Wish the best to you all.
Phan Thi Van
A corner of RIA1, Summer 2011. Photo Mai Van Tai

RIA1’s Newsletter. Issue 2 (Apr - Jun 2011) 5
News
Vice Minister Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu visited
Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1
Hoang Thuy
On 20th May 2011, Vice Minister of Agriculture and
Rural Development (MARD), Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan
Thu visited and worked with the Research Institute of
Aquaculture No. 1 (RIA1) in the Bac Ninh
headquarters. The purpose of the Vice Minister’s visit
was to discuss with RIA1 scientists some issues
related to the conservation and preservation of gene
pools and varieties of freshwater fish species. The
Vice Minister was accompanied by Dr. Nguyen Huy
Dien - Deputy Director of The National Agricultural
Extension Center and representatives from
Department of Science, Technology and
International Cooperation (Directorate of Fisheries).
Deputy Directors of RIA1, Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh and
Dr. Phan Thi Van welcomed the delegation and
hosted the meeting.
On behalf of RIA1, Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh has
presented flowers with a wish on good health to the
Vice Minister, and then he made a brief presentation
on genetic preservation and development of purebred
species that have been implementing at RIA1. The
goal of this program is to serve long-term scientific
research and sustainable development of aquaculture,
enrich aquatic genetic resources of broodstocks, and
to domesticate a number of vulnerable species of high
economic value and gene pool.
The Vice Minister appreciated about the preliminary
success of the program showing distinct results and
outcomes. However, she emphasized that with
current development contexts, RIA1 needs to focus
on the sustainability of research components by
paying more attention to the practicality of scientific
results and its application in business production. In
order to realize these goals, RIA1 needs to give
priorities to understand and learn about seed
demand of localities, annually obtain statistics on the
number of production units that really have demand
for purebred varieties, and avoid mass transfer of
purebred varieties to local producers and
communities. Moreover, RIA1 should continue and
expand scientific research on cold tolerance species
in Northern Vietnam for selecting suitable species
and assessing their adaptability to farming areas in
Northern provinces; developing a long term- strategy
for gene bank, and registering for national plain
strain and varieties after completing research and
study. Besides, Activities of environmental
monitoring and warning in intensive aquaculture
areas, disease prevention, technical standard
development, and the development of cost norms for
extension activities were also mentioned by the Vice
Minister.
At the end of the meeting, RIA1’s deputy director- Dr.
Phan Thi Van thanks the Vice Minister for her visit
and consideration on RIA1 activities, especially on
research areas, and expects Ministry of Agriculture
The meeting between Vice Minister and RIA1’s leaders
and staffs. Photo Hoang Thuy

News
and Rural Development support create more
favorable conditions for RIA1 to explore the research
potentials and contribute to the sector development
and to the country’s modernization and
industrialization in general.
Vietnam fisheries sector, 52 years
anniversary (01/4/1959 – 01/4/2011)
Hoang Thuy
On the occasion of the 52th
anniversary of the
fisheries sector, RIA1’s staffs have many significant
activities to increase research quality, work
effectiveness to improve staffs’ living standard and
organize many sport and social activities.
Especially on 31st
March 2011, the Research
Institute for Aquaculture No1 (RIA1) formally
organized a meeting to celebrate the 52nd
birthday of
Vietnam fisheries sector. Attending the event, there
were representatives from departments of Labor
Union under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development (MARD); and directorate board, head
of administration office, head and vice head of
departments and research centers, chairman of labor
union of RIA1 and its belong organizations, women
job committee, youth union committee of RIA1.
At the meeting, participants together reviewed the
traditional day of fisheries sector, the memory of
President Ho Chi Minh visited fishing village in Cat
Ba, Hai Phong in 1959. For many years, the fisheries
sector has significant contributed to the nation’s
development deserving to be the important economic
sector of the country. Besides, it plays important
roles in term of national defense and security on the
sea with the presence of millions of fishers and
aquaculture farmers working at sea and coastal
areas together with military forces to keep the
nation’s sovereignty. Translated by Nguyen Huu
Nghia
Election for Scientific Committee of the
Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1
Hoang Thuy
On 6th
April 2011, researchers of the Research
Institute for Aquaculture No.1 have joined a meeting
to discuss the “Institute's research, information,
international cooperation and education
administration regulations” and to elect the Scientific
Committee of the Institute. The meeting has been
chaired by Mr. Nguyen Tien Sy, head of the
Administration Office. Participants are RIA1’s
researchers that holding MSc. and PhD degree. The
list of nominees consists of 27 persons, they are
representatives from departments and centers of
RIA1 specializing in many researches. Based on the
voting results, 22 researchers have been elected to
be member of the Committee. These 22 members
then voted for the Committee Standing Board which
resulted in Dr. Phan Thi Van serving as Chair and
Dr. Tran Dinh Luan and Dr. Nguyen Huu Ninh both
serving as Vice Chair of the Committee. Translated
by Nguyen Huu Nghia
Fish harvesting for experiment. Photo Tran Minh Hau

News
The Institute Director, Dr. Le Thanh Luu
visited Africa
Nguyen Huu Nghia
After the signing ceremony on research cooperation
and technology exchange between Vietnam and
Benin/Nigeria, in June 2011, The National Agency for
Science and Technology Information has organized
a Vietnamese scientist team to visit Benin and
Nigeria to investigate the possibility of cooperation.
RIA1's director, Dr. Le Thanh Luu involved the team
as fisheries sector's representative.
The team has visited faming model of Songhai
Agriculture Center at both Benin and Nigeria.
Songhai is a training center for farmers. Trainees will
learn agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture
technologies. In this center, they apply organic
farming method. In Nigeria, Songhai has 20,000ha in
Amungu and 600ha in Riverstage. After ending
training courses, if trainees want to stay to work, they
will be given land to farm and Songhai will buy their
products.
Nigeria and Benin would like Vietnam providing
experts on rice planting, mushroom growing and
aquaculture. Investment opportunities also open for
Vietnamese enterprises that want to invest into Benin
and Nigeria. Vietnamese scientists who involved the
team also learn their extension experience and
organic farming methods.
Research Institute for Aquaculture No1 has signed
the MoU with Songhai. In the coming time, Songhai
will send technicians to RIA1 to learn the aquaculture
techniques. RIA1 will send experts to Benin and
Nigeria for technical assistance. MSc and PhD
students will from now have an option to do their
researches in Benin and Nigeria.
National conference for students and
young researchers on aquaculture
research in 2011 (Nha Trang, 25th
- 26th
June 2011)
Mai Van Tai
With the aim at promoting research activities and
creating opportunities for exchange of knowledge
and experiences among students and young
researchers from universities and institutes involved
in research and education on aquaculture, the
National conference for students and young
researchers on aquaculture research in 2011 was
Floating cages at Parakou. Source Songhai center
Catfish harvesting. Source Songhai Center

News
organized at Nha Trang University 25th
and 26th
of
June. More than 250 students and young
researchers from many universities and research
institutes in whole country participated in this
conference. There were 36 oral presentations and 45
posters in this conference. Deputy Director of
General Directorate of Fisheries Dr. Pham Anh Tuan
attended the conference and presented a keynote
speech entitled “Status and development trends of
Vietnam and World aquaculture ". The conference
was divided into four sessions, including 1)
Commercial farming, feed and nutrition, 2) Seed
production and genetics, 3) Environment and aquatic
animal diseases, and 4) Other fields. In the
conference program, participants visited the marine
aquaculture areas on the Nha Trang bay in 26th
June.
According to general assessment of the organizers,
qualities of many scientific reports in this conference
are good. There are 6 first prizes, six second prizes,
four third prizes and 4 consolation prizes awarded to
presenters in four sessions and poster session.
There are five oral presentations and posters from
the Research Institute for Aquaculture 1 submitted to
this conference. Presentation entitled "Evaluation of
egg quality and effects of dietary essential fatty acid
levels on broodstock spawning performance and egg
fatty acid composition of cobia Rachycentron
canadum " by Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy from
Aquaculture Research Sub-institute for North
Central, RIA1 was awarded first prize in the “Seed
production and genetics” session.
The conference was successfully organized. In
consultation with representatives from participated
universities and institutes, conference organizers has
decided to select Hue University of Agriculture and
Forestry for next organizer of the conference in 2012.
Holding fun for RIA1 staff’s children on
International Children’s Day
Dam My Chinh
As part of the activities responding to “the action
month for Children”, on 1st June 2011, Youth and
Trade Union of the Research Institute for
Aquaculture No.1 arranged a visit for children from 2-
15 years old which are children of officers,
employees working at RIA1 after their hard study.
Children visited to Bao Son Paradise - the famous
place of Hanoi. They explored aquariums world, zoos
and watched a 4D movie on Ancient Egyptian
history. This was an opportunity for children and the
youths to exchange together. The trip made fun,
excitement, unity atmosphere for them on
International Children’s Day.
Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy presents his research at the
Conference. Source: Nguyen Quang Huy

Science and Technology
Successful induced breeding of rainbow
trout Onchorhynchus mykiss at Sapa -
Lao Cai
Nguyen Thi Hoa
The successful artificial spawning of rainbow trout
has obtained some preliminary achievements after
three years of research at Research Institute for
Aquaculture No.1. Researches have been focusing
on exploiting the spawning season, breeding
capacity, testis and ovary development and gamete
developing progress in terms of the rearing condition
at Sapa, Lai Cai province. All collected information
has support the development of technical guidelines
for induced spawning and production planning of
rainbow trout under local rearing conditions. The first
research achievement is the finding of suitable feed
for broodstock to obtain full maturation and
spawning. The result has resulted in the suggestion
of using a suitable rearing facility under local weather
and environment conditions. Part of induced
spawning is hormone investigation, of which dose
and kind of hormone have been reported. Common
diseases, methods for prevention and treatment for
both broodstock and fingerlings have also conducted
in this research program. The effects of temperature
during incubation on survival rate and deformity have
also been investigated. Finally, the feasibility of using
local feed for nursing of fry and fingerling rainbow
trout have been conducted to reduce imported feeds
from overseas.
The results showed that the rainbow trout has the
highest GSI (18.6%) in December and ovary reaches
the stage of IV from October to December under
local rearing condition in Sapa. The main spawning
season is forecasted between December and
January. Depending on GSI estimation it is
suggested that the broodstock should start well take
care for maturation in July and it is divided into two
stages: special take care from Jul. to Sept. and
maturation take care from Oct. to Dec. The optimum
temperature for spawning and egg incubation ranges
between 10 - 12o
C. The breeding capacity of female
reaches 5,300 eggs per female or 3,300 eggs per kg
of female. Realized breeding capacity is obtained
about 1,700 - 2,200 eggs per kg of female with
rearing condition in Sapa. All obtained results are
similar with other studies reported where rainbow
trout is considered as native species. The results
have indicated that this species can close life cycle in
Sapa. Using out door tanks for rearing of broodstock
has given higher breeding capacity.
The testing with 5 local pellet feed formulas, in which
three formulas in the first year and addition two more
in the second year, for broodstock have been
conducted and reference was feed imported from
Finland. The result shown that CT3 (41.5%
Artificial insemination for rainbow trout in Sapa. Photo Chu
Quang Kiem

protein and 15.0% lipid) obtained spawning rate
(75%), fertilized rate (84%) and hatching rate (60%),
they were higher than reference formula in the first
year experiment. Similarly, the CT4 in the second
year (45% protein and 16% lipid) obtained spawning
rate (91%), fertilized rate (85%) and hatching rate
(74.3%). The results suggest that broodstock can be
used local feed with protein 40 - 45% and lipid 15 -
16% to obtain artificial spawning with local condition
in Sapa, Lao Cai.
The testing results shown that hormones of HCG
with dose of 3000 UI or combined between pituitary
gland (2 mg) and HCG (500 UI) or LRHa (30µg + 10
mg DOM) for kg of female can support induced
spawning. Shorter spawning time, spawning rate
(100%), fertilized rate (80%) and hatching rate (65%)
have obtained to compare with natural spawning. It
spends 24 - 48 hours for all fish spawning in the case
no hormone investigation. Moreover, using hormone
is suitable for local condition where shortage water
supply in the North during the spawning season.
However, based on its available and costs, hormone
and dose applied for each kg of female should be
HCG (3000 UI) and LRHa (30µg + 10 mg DOM) to
support artificial spawning of rainbow trout in Sapa,
Lao Cai.
Except the fry stage, all brood fish and fingerlings
were affected by parasite, fungi, and bacteria
diseases with different affected levels. At fingerlings
stage parasite affection was higher than other
stages. The initial treatment shown with bacteria
diseases can be solved by using anti-biotic of the
Enrofloxacine and Oxytetracycline. For parasite
disease can be treated with Formaline in a dose of
200ppm (shower) for 20 - 30 minutes in temperature
ranges between 16 - 17o
C in the first three days.
Then combine with salt shower in a dose of 3 - 4
kg/m3
from the fourth day. The treatment is stopped
after no pathogen found in the sample. It is noted
that two anti-biotic used in this study were found
before restriction in use by government document
No.15/2009/TT-BNN. Hence, finding out new anti-
biotic in treatment of bacteria disease need to
investigate now.
Incubation temperature should maintain between 10
- 12o
C that reducing anformility and incubation time
is around 4 weeks. In the case feed for fry is limited,
shrimp feed (43% protein) with lipid addition could be
chosen with good nursing result. In the stage of
fingerlings, local feed with 50% protein and 6% lipid
showed the similar result in comparison with
imported feed, however, local feed is much cheaper.
More research on nutrition and feeding of fry and
fingerling need to be focused, because of small
amount of (fry and fingerlings) feeds are very difficult
to import from oversea.
Base on all research results and other information
collected, the draft of induced spawning of rainbow
trout has been conducted. Rainbow trout have fully
closed cycle in new location of Sapa, Lao Cai. The
success in artificial breeding of rainbow trout has
contributed to develop this species in Vietnam as
well as reduction imported from oversea.

Restocking of fish species to meet
conservation and development purposes
in Uncle Ho pond at President
Mausoleum
Pham Duc Luong
Uncle Ho pond is a lively relic in Ho Chi Minh
President Mausoleum and is a national special relic.
With 3,320 m2
in area and 2.36 m in depth, this pond
has 12 fish species stocked since Uncle Ho had
working at President Mausoleum and 11 species
were added after 1969. The fish biomass in pond
after harvested partially annually is maintained stably
from 2,900 to 3,000 kg. Under aquatic condition, the
fish not only uses food for survival but also is
significantly influenced by environmental parameters.
The different characteristics of Uncle Ho pond are
lacking of the light due to many surrounding trees;
leaves and fruits frequently dropped into pond;
supplying water depends on underground water,
chemical and physical parameters change daily and
seasonally which also affect to fish.
In order to be safe for the fish populations,
management methods have been carried out
including the establishment of the list of fish
maintained and cared for at Uncle Ho pond at
President Mausoleum; restocking and determining
the age of some fish; reproducing activities from
origin fish and carry out synchronous methods to
create suitable pond environment friendly condition;
bringing up and caring for fish health to guarantee
that fish live in good health condition. These
contribute to improving the value of Uncle Ho pond at
President Mausoleum.
The fish in the conservation list at Uncle Ho pond is
now reproduced from origin ones before 1969 and
their offspring continually. The off springs now are
less than 10 years old so that they still grow and
strongly active. The restocking for suitable
component species will create harmonious between
living spaces at different layers and use natural food
in pond efficiently. Natural food, organic humus and
waste from fish will be used by the others, allowing to
the limitation of organic persistence in pond.
Besides, species component in Uncle Ho pond
shows diversity consisting of native fish at lowland,
midland and highland areas from North to South;
some economic valuable fish of neighbor countries
and continents are naturalized and brought up well in
Vietnam.
Well environmental and fish management in Uncle
Ho pond is regular task and need to be continuously
carried out by specific managing organizations in
order to guarantee friendly environment and fish
safety. Uncle Ho pond is special model of
aquaculture, shows confidential of scientists,
managers and people with national special relic.
RIA1’s staffs working at Uncle Ho’s fish pond. Photo Pham Duc
Luong

Additionally conservation signification of relic, this
also contributes to serve as daily visiting purpose to
Ho Chi Minh relic at President Mausoleum for
Vietnamese and foreigners. Translated by Vo Van
Binh
Production of SPF Vannamei broodstock
in Vietnam
Vu Van In
White shrimp Liptopenaeus vannamei has become a
major culture species in many countries such as
Vietnam where black tiger shrimp industry was
already established due to its outstanding
advantages. Although domestic hatcheries have
made an effort to produce vannamei Post larvae (PL)
for the vannamei culture industry, the supply is still
far from the demand due to the lack of reliable
broodstocks. Presently, broodstocks for local
hatcheries are mainly from import that exposes many
constraints on PL production regarding to price and
quality. The reliable broodstocks are usually
expensive (about 25 USD/pair imported from
Thailand) however; the cheaper ones often show
poor quality. Dressing to this question, Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural development has assigned the
Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 to carry out
the Project entitled “Study on application of biological
technologies for production of SPF Vannamei
broodstocks”. The Project aims to set up technical
procedures for production of SPF vannamei
broodstock in Vietnam at a lower price as a step to
answer the hunger for PL vannamei from the shrimp
industry.
Materials for the Project includes SPF broodstocks
imported from Hawaii, Singapore and domestic SPF
stock that are free of 05 pathogens (TSV, WSSV,
YHV/GAV, IHHNV, and MBV). Experiments have
been implemented under biosecurity control at Cat
Ba islands and Vung Tau. At Cat Ba, biosecurity
applied for 02 premises: an indoor isolated system
and an outdoor isolated system. Strict cleaning and
disinfecting are applied to all inputs of the systems.
350 pairs of SPF vannamei broodstocks were
imported from Hawaii in early 2009. These were
acclimatized and induced breeding in the indoor
system of the National Broodstock Center for
Mariculture species in Northern Vietnam at Cat Ba
islands. SPF PL15 produced was reared in
composite tanks for 01 month to reach PL45 and
then they were selected and reared in two separated
systems: 80m3
indoor and 500m3
outdoor tank
systems. Health screening was monthly applied to
ensure only best shrimps that are free of mentioned
pathogens (TSV, WSSV, YHV/GAV, IHHNV, and
MBV) were selected. After grow out stage, selected
shrimp were then cultured until they become shrimp
broodstocks.
The first success of the Project is that 1,500 pairs of
SPF vannamei broodstock were produced in Cat Ba
Indoor tanks for SPF shrimp culture at Cat Ba. Photo Vu Van
In

in early 2009 and 2,500 pairs early this year. These
are the first SPF vannamei broodstocks successfully
generated in Vietnam. Data from several local
hatcheries using these broodstocks show that 75%
female broodstocks produced eggs with at least
150,000 eggs/female, hatching rate reaches 70% or
higher.
In the next period, cross-breeding between different
spawn groups, larval rearing and growout culture will
be repeated to maintain and develop SPF stocks that
were already established. The success of the Project
on SPF broodstock production will facilitate further
study on genetic and selective breeding as well as
help launch a vannamei broodstock industry for
domestic hatcheries.
Clown Knife fish Chitala ornata (Gray,
1831), a new aquaculture species with
high potential in the North of Vietnam
Nguyen Van Tien and Vu Hong Su
A research program entitled “Studies on aquaculture
technology and trial on artificial seed production of
clown knife fish in Ha Noi” has been implementing
under program 01C-05, sponsored by Department of
Science and Technology of Ha Noi. The research
program aimed to develop aquaculture technology of
Clown knife fish, contributing to the diversification of
aquaculture commodities with high economic value
in the North of Viet Nam.
Clown knife fish Chitala ornata (Gray, 1831) is a
tropical species belonging to family Notopteridea,
genus Chitala. The local names of this species are
Cá Còm, Cá Thát lát cườm or Cá Nàng hai. In Viet
Nam, the Clown knife fish naturally distributes from
South Central part to Mekong River Delta. Because
of high quality meat, the species has been widely
cultured in the South of Viet Nam and served as a
special food fish. In the North, due to differences in
climatic condition, the research and aquaculture of
this species are very limited.
Experiments were designated to test three type of
feeds (composed feed contains 35% protein, a
combination of 50% composed feed with 50% fresh
fish, and 100% fresh fish) on Clown knife fish during
fry to fingerling stage. The experiments were carried
Outdoor tanks for SPF shrimp culture at Cat Ba. Photo Vu
Van In
Sampling for growth performance. Photo Nguyen Van Tien

out in earthen ponds at Research Institute for
Aquaculture No 1 from April to June 2011 in
duplication. From stoking size of 0.6 g/fish and 3-4
cm in total length, the experimental fish reached to
8.2-8.6 g/fish and 9-12 cm in total length. There was
no statistically significant difference in growth
performance and survival among the experimental
groups (P>0.05). The lowest FCR was recorded in
the fish groups fed on the composed feed. The FCRs
of Clown knife fish were very low in all three fish
groups (0.68-1.35) because the experimental fish
could partially graze on natural food such as
zooplankton and other aquatic organisms available in
the experimental ponds.
The experiments indicated that Clown knife fish
performed well in the experimental conditions and is
a potential dacidate for aquaculture in the North of
Viet Nam. The growth performance and survival rate
of the experimental fish were similar among the fish
groups feed composed feed and fresh fish. The
research program is continuing to develop
aquaculture technology and artificial seed production
of this species under specific climatic condition in the
North of Viet Nam, especially in Ha Noi area.
White feces disease in black tiger shrimp
Penaaeus monodon and solutions for
disease prevention
Nguyen Thi Ha
Outbreaks of various shrimp diseases have caused
devastating economic damage to shrimp industry
worldwide. In Vietnam, a newly recognized disease
was recently reported in black tiger shrimp farming,
and known as white feces disease. Following its first
appearance in 1998, the disease has widely spread
and caused serious economic losses to cultured
black tiger farms in many provinces, especially in
Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and some
Mekong Delta provinces. Because of its damage to
shrimp aquaculture production, the pathogenesis of
white feces disease was studied at Centre for
Environment and Disease Monitoring in Aquaculture
(CEDMA), Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1
(RIA 1), under a project funded by Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD),
Vietnam, and solutions was also suggested in order
to control of the disease.
Table: Growth performance and feed efficiency of Clown knife fish feed three types of feeds during fry -
fingerling stage (Average ±SE)
Parameters Composed feed (CF) CF+FF Fresh fish (FF)
Average stocking size (g/fish) 0,6±0,02 0,6±0,02 0,6±0,02
Average harvesting size (g/fish) 8,2±0,47a
8,2±0,64a
8,6±0,82a
Weight gained (g/fish) 7,5±1,2a
7,5±1,1a
8,0±0,2a
Culture duration (day) 36 36 36
Daily weight gained (g/fish/day) 0,21±0,03a
0,21±0,03a
0,22±0,00a
Dried feed intake (g/fish/36 days) 4,52±0,18b
4,27±0,01b
3,02±0,04a
Feed efficiency (g/g) 0,61±0,07 0,58±0,08 0,38±0,01
FCR 0,68±0,08a
1,06±0,16ab
1,35±0,05b
Survival rate (%) 94,1±3,7a
96,4±0,3a
96,6±1,1

The causative agent of white feces disease is spore
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei. The diseased shrimp
are soft, paled-color, and have a lot of adhered
organisms on gills. Intestines have no food but
contain chains of white feces. Sometimes, white
feces (2-3 cm in length) can be seen at the tail part
of diseased shrimp. Hepatopancreas of diseased
shrimp change to white, blue color and shrunken
(Figure).
The white feces disease occurs in the whole year,
but frequently from May to June in the North and
North Central, and from August to October in the
South and South Central of Vietnam. The disease is
sensitive to shrimp after two or three months of
culture.
Because spores (Enterocytozoon
hepatopenaei) parasitized in
cytoplasm of hepatopancreas cells of
diseased shrimp, the treatment of
white feces disease is quite difficult.
The following solutions are suggested
to control the disease:
- Shrimp stocks: free Enterocytozoon
hepatopenaei
- Having storage and settling ponds in
shrimp farms
- Killing spores in pond mud by lime
(CaO) 10-15kg/100m2
- Killing spores in water and carriers
by TCCA 5-10 ppm
- Improving water quality by TCCA
0,3-0,5 ppm for every 15 days
- Regularly monitoring environmental
factors, avoiding shrimp are
stressed by the sudden change in water
temperature, pH, salinity, etc.
- Using herbs for feeding in order to increase
resistance of shrimp: Guava leaves (200 mg/kg of
food/day for 7 days/month); Garlic powder (8-10
g/kg of food/day for 5 days/month)
- In case, sizes of white feces diseased shrimp are
about 20-30 g/shrimp, the shrimp should be
harvested. Equipment and pond water must be
carefully disinfected by TCCA (10-15 ppm) or
Chlorine (50-70 ppm)
Translated by Dang Thi Lua & Vo Anh Tu
Figure: White feces disease in black tiger shrimp. (A) Clinical signs of the
disease: diseased shrimp in left, normal shrimp in right; (B) White feces chains
from diseased shrimp; (C) Spore Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (Gram
staining); and (D) Spore Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (Electron microcopy)

Research on grow out techniques and
artificial reproduction of pond loach
Misgurnus anguilicaudatus (Cantor, 1842)
Bui Huy Cong and Nguyen Thi Dieu Phuong
Pond loach (Oriental weather fish) Misgurnus
anguilicaudatus (Cantor, 1842) is a freshwater fish
which has good meat quality and high economic
value species. The requirement of pond loach
fingerlings for grow-out is high recently. However,
there is limitation on research on this species. It is
mainly studied in morphology and classification. The
project entitled “Research on grow out techniques
and artificial reproduction of pond loach Misgurnus
anguilicaudatus (Cantor, 1842) has been carried out
from 2009-2011 at Applied Biology Department, the
Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1, funded by
Hanoi Science and Technology department.
Research results show that pond loach’s culture
season might start from April, fish grows best from
June to September (the grow rate is ranging from 0.7
- 2g/fish/month) and the grow rate will be decreasing
from October (0.25g/fish/month). Fish grows well in
cement tanks with the stocking density of 70 fish/m2
fed by pellet food with 35% protein. Fish reaches to
the size of 9g/fish from the average size of 3g after
210 days, the survival rate is 95 - 98%. The specific
grow rate is 0.028 - 0.031 g/fish/day, FCR is 1.58 -
1.67, productivity is 32 - 35kg/100m2
tank.
The research on artificial reproduction shows that
pond loach starts mature from 1+
to 2 years old.
Breeding season starts from April, the mature rate is
high in June, July and August and breeding season
is ended in October. The conditioning breeders
culture season is from October to next May. Pond
loach breeders are kept in cement tanks with the size
of 30m2
, 1.5m in depth, stocking density is 20
fish/m2
, fed by 35% protein food, water flow
stimulating is 1 - 2 hours/week and injected by
hypophysis for artificial. There were 60% female
pond loach breed, the fertilization rate is 70% and
hatching rate is 60%.
The fry of pond loach should be kept in cement tanks
and fed by plankton and egg yolk. Fish with the size
of 1.5 - 2cm in length could be transferred to culture
in net until they reach to the size of 4 - 5cm. The
fingerlings use plankton and pellet fish with 35 - 40%
protein. In the year of 2009 and 2010, project
produced 3,000 fingerlings with the size of 2 - 3g/fish
by artificial reproduction.
Research on grow-out techniques and artificial
reproduction of pond loach contributes to basic
science that helps actively in seed production,
producing goods for consumption and pond loach
conservation. Translated by Nguyen Thi Hanh Tien
Pond loach fingerling. Photo Bui Huy Cong

Land based clam aquaculture
development as an alternative livelihood
in Vietnam
Chu Chi Thiet, Mai Huong, Le Thanh Ghi, Le Thanh
Luu and Martin Kumar
Introduction
Hard clam Meretrix lyrata culture is a promising
activity as it has a high total value despite a low
production rate and technology. Presently, clam is
cultured in the intertidal areas by using net fences to
prevent clam from predators such as: snail, crab,
birth and also the movement of clam to other fencing.
However, clam culture has the disadvantage that it
relies mainly on intertidal areas and the capture of
seed from nature. The limitation in the availability of
suitable intertidal area and lack of technical
knowledge in land based clam culture technique
restricted the growth of this alternative source of
income for the poor community.
Although, shrimp culture initially brought fairly
good results for many farmers, due to unplanned
development, poor capacity of co-management, etc.
nowadays it is creating loses for many farmer
families. Alternative livelihoods for those farmers are
impossible due to lack of agricultural land available
to other businesses. Under these circumstances, the
transformation of abandoned/unutilized prawn farms
and associated canal systems into sustainable
mollusk culture development would provide the much
needed alternative livelihoods. Limited published
information is available on clam culture in ponds or
canals. In Vietnam clam culture in pond is not
reported. This study is a first formal investigation on
clam culture in ponds.
Materials and Method
Two experiments were conducted as: (D1) was
monoculture of clams in canal. The aim of this
experiment was to demonstrate clam culture in
ponds and at the same time compare the growth rate
of two clam species Meretrix meretrix and Meretrix
lyrata. (D2) was polyculture clam with prawns in
pond. The aim was to identify the appropriate
species for integrating with prawn culture in pond.
Each treatment was replicated three times and was
arranged in a randomized design. The trials were
conducted in 4m2
(2x 2) plots for 4 months under field
conditions. The initial clam stocking size for all
demonstrations was the same, with 385 clams per kg
(2,97 ± 0,04 g) for M. lyrata and 380 clams (3,10 ±
0,05g) per kg for M. meretrix. Stocking density for
polyculture demonstration was 88 clams per square
meter, while about 76 clam/m2
for monoculture clam
in canal.
The growth rate of clam was measured randomly 30
samples in frequencies of 15 days. The survival rate
of clam cultured was checked at the end of the
experiment. The data are expressed as Mean ± SD
and the statistical analysis was performed using
Graphpad Prism version 4.0 and Microsoft Office
Excel.
Results and Discussion
Clam monoculture in canal
- Clam growth of clams
Figures of 1A indicates that biomass gained of calm
M. lyrata about 1500 gram was significant higher

(P<0.05) compared to M. meretrix (600 gram). The
results of experiment also show that specific growth
rate (SGR) of M. lyrata was significant higher
(P<0.05) compared to M. meretrix species. Overall,
the total weight gain of M. lyrata was significantly
higher than M. meretrix as the higher SGR of M.
lyrata was reported.
- Survival of clams:
At the end of the trial period, in canal conditions, the
survival rate of two clam species was the same.
Approximately 70% (Figure 2B) survival rate was
recorded for both species. Notable mortality was
recorded during heavy and consistent rainy periods. This
mortality might be due to low salinity. Salinity tolerance
range is comparatively higher for both species of clams.
However, clam cannot survive in freshwater conditions.
These species predominantly prefer brackish water.
Therefore, heavy and consistent rain can seriously affect
clam survival and cause mass mortality of clams due to
drastic reduction in salinity.
The study also indicated that similar to M. lyrata, the
species M. meritrix widely distributed in the northern part
of Vietnam can be successfully cultured in ponds and
canal systems. Therefore, based on seed availability
farmers have the choice of selecting clam species for
culture.
Clam polyculture in pond
- Growth rate
Figure 2A shows that weight gain and specific growth
rate (SGR) of M. lyrata were significantly higher
compared to M. meretrix at the end of the
demonstration. The highest weight gain and SGR
were obtained in August for both clam species when
the farmer harvested all prawns in the pond.
However, those figures decreased dramatically when
salinity went down to zero in the end of August and
September. Overall, the total weight gain of M. lyrata
was significantly higher than M. meretrix because a
higher SGR of M. lyrata was reported.
Figure 1: (A) Biomass gain of clam culture, and (B) Survival
rate of two clam species at the end of the trial (P ≤ 0.01)
Figure 2: (A) Biomass gain of both clam species; and (B)
Survival rate of both clam species integrated culture with
prawn in pond (P<0.01)

Education, Training and International Cooperation
The results suggest that M. lyrata is a more suitable
species to integrate with prawn culture than M.
meretrix. After 4 months culture, the production of
prawn harvested was approximately 2,700 kg per ha.
Farmer found that the production/productivity of
prawn this year was higher than previous crops in
terms of growth and survival rates. After 4 month
culturing, P. monodon reached the size of 20
gram/prawn (from the beginning size of PL15). The
survival rate of prawns was approximately 80%.
Farmer also estimated clam (M. lyrata) production to
be 5.5 ton per ha at the end of the culture period
- Survival rate:
In pond culture, the survival rate of M. lyrata was
higher than that of M. meretrix, with nearly 70% for
M. lyrata and approximately 63% for M. meretrix
(Figure 2B). However, statistically there was no
significant difference of the survival rate between two
species.
Conclusion
Clam M. lyrata has growth rate and biomass gain at
the end of the experiment higher with significant
different compared to M. meretrix when both were
monoculture in canal and polyculture with prawn in
ponds. However, the survival rate of both species
was not significant difference in canal and
polyculture in pond.
Clam and prawn polyculture production model
increased the income and profitability of the farmers.
The polyculture model also increased productivity of
prawns and at the same time provided additional
clam crop. However, the trials also indicated that,
clam productivity could be improved through further
investigation.
Capacity building for the development of
cold water fish farming in Vietnam
Tran Thi Kim Chi
Project entitled “Capacity building for the development
of cold water fish farming in Vietnam” is an
Institutional collaboration between Finnish Game and
Fisheries Research Institute (FGFRI) and Research
Institute for Aquaculture No1 (RIA1). Most of project
activities take place in Research Centre for Coldwater
Fisheries in Sapa (RCCF), Lao Cai Province.
The overall objective of the project is to contribute to
the development of an efficient, competitive and
sustainable value-added, cold water aquaculture
sector in Vietnam with special reference to rainbow
trout Oncorhynchus mykiss culture and marketing.
The project pursues long-term relationships between
RIA-1 and the Finnish institutes and develops RIA-1’s
technical and institutional capacity to implement
national breeding strategy. This will aid the partner
agency RIA-1 to meet the challenges in the sector and
to provide services to the growing cold-water
aquaculture industry. At the end of the project, RIA-1
has together with private and other public
stakeholders established the National Cold Water
RIA1, FGFRI experts discussion. Photo Tran Thi Kim Chi

Education, Training and International Cooperation
Strategy. The project is proposed to be carried out
within 3 years, started from June 2010 and will be
finished in the year 2012 with a total amount of
500,000 € supported by Finland. After one year since
it began, 4 training courses and workshop on
enhancement of cold water aquaculture and
processing techniques have been carried out in Da
Lat and Sapa. In the year 2011, rainbow trout eggs of
100 families have been transferred to Thac Bac
station for genetic selection program. Especially, eggs
of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) were the
first time introduced to incubate in Vietnam, and short
training courses on rainbow trout and whitefish
breeding had also been carried out in Finland for
RCCF’s staff (April, 2011).
Institutional collaboration between RIA-1, FGFRI and
the three other partners in Finland, is not considered
as one-way transfer of information and technology:
the ultimate aim of the project is a mutual scientific
and technical benefit for both Vietnamese and
Finnish collaborators. The work may give results of
global significance, e.g., the selective breeding in
regard to the climate change.
Thesis defense ceremony for Master of
Science in Aquaculture batch 11
Tran Minh Hau
To implement the education cooperation program
between Hanoi Agricultural University (HAU) and
Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 (RIA1), on 4th
June, 2011, The Master thesis defense ceremony of
the 18th
batch (2009 - 2011) was held at RIA1.
Nineteen MSc students had successfully defended
their researches.
Attending the ceremony, there were Ms. Vu Thi Dan
from HAU Graduate School, Mr. Nguyen Huu Nghia,
Acting Head, Ms. Dang Thi Oanh, the education and
training officer of Department of Research &
Information Administration, International Cooperation &
Education, RIA1. The thesis examining committee
comprises of scientists from the RIA1, the Research
Institute for Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development and HAU.
Each examining committee includes five members to
work together in one hour for one thesis defense.
There were three committees working in parallel in
three exam rooms to make sure that all the MSc theses
are defended within the day. At the end, 12 students
got an average mark from 8.0 to 8.9; 7 students got
from 7.5 to 7.9.
Finally, all students of this batch have graduated from
the Master training program in Aquaculture after two
years of study and research at the RIA1.
“Congratulations to 19 new Masters of Science, wish
you all good health and always successfully completing
your assigned tasks” Translated by Tran Minh Hau
and Hoang Thu Thuy
Master student is presenting his thesis. Photo Tran Minh Hau

Quarterly Profile
Experts from Research Institute for
Aquaculture No.1 working in Namibia
Ngo Sy Van, Vietnamese aquaculture expert, KIFI,
Namibia
In recent years the Research Institute for
Aquaculture No.1 has continued to send
experienced staffs to African countries for
technical supports. To make it easier for you to
understand the works and living conditions of
Vietnamese experts there, this quarterly profile
would like to introduce Mr. Ngo Sy Van, an
aquaculture ’expert who is currently working in
Namibia.
Namibia is a South-West African country, the
population is about 2.2 million people with all skin
colors. Namibian people are hospitality and friendly.
The country is arid with an area of 825,418km2
. The
land terrains of the country are almost desert, with
the Namib is the most ancient desert in the world, it
is located in the south of Namibia along with 1,500
km shoreline, where there are many beautiful
landscapes. North-West and North-East areas
(88,700km2) are lower land and usually flooded in
the rainy season. There are totally 18 reservoirs with
an area of 20,709 ha in central and south of the
country. Thus, Namibia has great potential water
areas for aquaculture development. However,
aquaculture in this country has not yet developed,
low productivity, and low benefit because of the
following reasons: the climate is dry and hot and low
rainfall (700-1000mm/year); lack of human resources
and technology; small built hatcheries and farms;
small number of cultured species (Tilapia, Catfish,
Oyster); only 10-15 aquaculture BSc graduation
yearly; small number of enterprises invest into
aquaculture.
In the framework of Vietnam-Namibia cooperation
(South-South), Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development, Food and Agriculture
Organization, Aquaculture Department (DoF) of the
Namibia Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
assigned us a task to help the staffs of Inland
Fisheries Institute of Kamutjonga (KIFI) and DoF to
improve their knowledge about seed production and
management.
It is six months since three of us came to this country
(Dr. Dinh Van Trung, Mr. Le Thien Ly and I), and that
is the time for us to adapt with the climate, Namibia’s
Mr. Ngo Sy Van with Namibia’ staffs. Source Ngo Sy Van

Quarterly Profile
traditional customs and to investigate the strength
and weakness of Namibia’s aquaculture. Hard
working helped us overcome our homesick of
missing family, friends, colleagues, RIA1 offices and
speaking Vietnamese. The Namibian staffs at KIFI,
DoF have always encouraged and supported us in
housing, facilities to help us stabilize with the new
place.
At the starting stage, we have fulfilled the assigned
tasks in time and created the friendly relationship
with Namibia people. At work, I have participated in
workshops, meetings, and study tours at potential
aquaculture areas, contributed to the aquaculture
development strategy and orientation of the country
as well as development of the technical guide to
produce Tilapia, Catfish seeds, and have already
successful produced number of seed. I have also
involved writing technical guidelines for the Namibian
staffs of KIFI and DoF, which include: “Methods and
Recommended Solutions to Control Tilapia
Breeding”, “Alive Fish Transportation Techniques”,
“Investigate and propose solutions to operate KIFI
hatcheries efficiently”; “Propose KIFI development
strategies in the future”; “Investigate and recommend
solutions to develop Likunganelo fish hatcheries”. I
have also involved in supervising students on
aquaculture technology subjects, assisting Karovo,
Likunganelo fish farms to grow commercial
productions.
So far our working results are not too many;
however, what we have done already left a good
impression feeling in Namibian people about the
Vietnamese aquaculture experts and RIA1 staffs. I
hope that through this newsletter, friends and
colleagues in Vietnam will understand more about
the Namibia country and people. And also through
this newsletter I do hope that RIA1’s directorate and
staffs will generate good conditions to cooperate and
help Namibia in aquaculture development. Thank
you very much! Translated by Nguyen Huu Nghia
RIA1 staffs at FAO Nammibia. Source Ngo Sy Van
Dawn at KIFI nearby wetland area. Source Ngo Sy Van

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