By Tin Di, CCE
TVU – Tra Vinh University is advancing aquaculture education by hosting a groundbreaking workshop on “Integrating aquatic animal welfare into aquaculture training programs” on October 28, 2024. The event shares research findings from the “Improving the Welfare of Farmed Fish in Asia” project and explores ways to incorporate these insights into Vietnamese educational curricula.
Associate Professor Dr. Diep Thanh Tung, Vice Rector of Tra Vinh University, emphasizes the significance of this initiative: “The aquaculture sector is experiencing rapid growth in scale and value, particularly in the Mekong Delta. As we integrate into international markets, aligning our practices with global standards becomes crucial. This workshop aims to gather expert insights to effectively incorporate aquatic animal welfare into our training programs.”
The workshop brings together key stakeholders, including Representatives from the Shrimp Welfare Project, Tra Vinh Fisheries and Quality Management Sub-Department, Experts from leading institutions, including Can Tho University, Bac Lieu University, Representatives from aquaculture companies, and Tra Vinh University alumni.
Five key presentations highlight different aspects of aquatic animal welfare:
- “Addressing Aquatic Animal Welfare Gaps in Vietnam’s Education System” by Dr. Pham Kim Long, Director of Environmental Science Technology Institute, Tra Vinh University
- “Global Vision for Implementing Aquatic Animal Welfare in Aquaculture” by M.Sc. Doan Van Bay, Aquaculture Research Institute 2
- “Aquatic Animal Welfare in Fish Farming for Sustainable Development” by M.Sc. Ta Hoang Banh, Dong Thap Community College
- “Initial Implementation of Aquatic Animal Welfare in Fisheries Programs” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Phu, Can Tho University
- “Aquatic Animal Welfare in Shrimp Farming” by Ms. Trinh Lien Huong, Shrimp Welfare Project Coordinator
Dr. Pham Kim Long, Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at Tra Vinh University, presents key findings in “Addressing the Aquatic Animal Welfare Gap in Vietnam’s Educational System.”
The symposium features prominent speakers from across Vietnam’s aquaculture sector, including MSc. Doan Van Bay from the Aquaculture Research Institute 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, who discuss global perspectives on implementing aquatic animal welfare in the aquaculture industry.
MSc. Ta Hoang Banh from Dong Thap College contributes insights on welfare considerations in fish farming for sustainable aquaculture development.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Phu, Vice-Rector of the College of Fisheries at Can Tho University, shares initial experiences in implementing aquatic animal welfare concepts into fisheries education programs.
Ms. Trinh Lien Huong, coordinator of the Shrimp Welfare Project in Vietnam, rounds out the discussion with a focused presentation on welfare considerations in shrimp farming.
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The workshop facilitates expert discussions on opportunities, challenges, and solutions (SWOT analysis) for incorporating aquatic animal welfare into aquaculture curricula across higher education institutions. This initiative positions Tra Vinh University at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture education, aligning academic programs with international standards and industry needs.
