To assist local residents in diversifying their aquaculture practices, in early 2006, the Thừa Thiên-Huế Fisheries Promotion Center implemented a model for farming commercial crabs in earthen ponds. This is a new farming method that was introduced for the first time in the province.
The model was executed in two communes: Phú Thuận and Vinh Phú (Phú Vang district), covering a farming area of 4,000 m2. The center selected households with ponds that met the requirements for size, had sturdy embankments, possessed experience in production, and were capable of effectively communicating and sharing knowledge with others.
According to Mr. Châu Ngọc Phi, an officer at the Thừa Thiên-Huế Fisheries Promotion Center: With a stocking density of 10 crabs per m2, after two months of farming, it has been observed that the crabs are growing relatively well, with a survival rate exceeding 70%. It is expected that after three months of farming, there will be a harvest to supply the domestic market, as well as investments for households raising molting crabs.
Farming crabs has many advantages: they grow quickly, have delicious meat, and their diet consists of fresh fish and cleaned crustaceans. The farming duration is about 4 to 5 months, and after three months, they can be selectively harvested for sale. The success of this model will open new avenues for aquaculture for local fishermen.
