According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2022) report, emissions from the fisheries sector account for about 4,6% of the total global emissions of the food supply chain - a significant number considering the increasing role of fisheries in human nutrition. To move towards the Net Zero target by 2050 that the Vietnamese Government committed to at COP26, it is necessary to start building and implementing Net Zero strategy in aquaculture, opening up opportunities to enhance brand value, meet international green standards and increase competitive advantage in the export market.
Definition of Net Zero and its application in the seafood industry
Net Zero is a state where the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the environment is balanced by the amount absorbed or removed through offset solutions. It does not mean zero emissions, but rather optimizing production activities to reduce emissions to the lowest possible level, then applying carbon absorption measures such as planting mangroves, restoring marine ecosystems or using carbon credits.
In the aquaculture sector, the Net Zero concept is applied through:
- Reducing emissions at source: improve farming technology, optimize feed, waste management, use renewable energy
- Resource circulation: utilizing by-products, reusing water, combining aquaculture with agriculture
- Carbon Offset: Develop integrated farming models that incorporate mangroves or seaweed to absorb CO₂.
Benefits of a Net Zero strategy in aquaculture
Implementing the Net Zero strategy in aquaculture brings many long-term benefits, both economically, environmentally and in terms of brand reputation:
For Businesses:
- Reduce operating costs through energy savings, feed optimization and water management
- Increase competitive advantage in export, especially in markets requiring high environmental standards such as EU, US, Japan
- Building a brand associated with “green seafood”, easily accessing green credit funds and international support.
For the environment and community:
- Contribute to reducing water and soil pollution, protecting aquatic biodiversity
- Promoting circular economic development model, reducing pressure on natural exploitation
- Support national targets on greenhouse gas emission reduction, in line with Vietnam's Net Zero commitment at COP26.
Net Zero Strategy in Aquaculture in Vietnam
Faced with the urgent need for green transformation towards the Net Zero target by 2050, the aquaculture industry in Vietnam is applying many practical solutions, while learning from the livestock industry model.
Linking food conversion to sustainable development
According to Dr. Le Thanh Luu, Director of ICAFIS Center, one effective strategy is to improve aquaculture diets with low-emission options, such as using ingredients from algae or insect protein instead of traditional ingredients. These alternatives can significantly reduce carbon emissions, while contributing to building a green and sustainable aquaculture production.
A vivid demonstration of the Net Zero strategy in aquaculture is the integrated seaweed and oyster farming model at Bangs Island Mussels, near Portland, Maine. Scientific research led by Susie Arnold (Island Institute) and Nichole Price (Bigelow Laboratory) has confirmed that seaweed not only absorbs CO₂ but also reduces the acidity of the surrounding water, creating a more favorable environment for shellfish such as oysters, mussels, and lobsters to grow, resulting in thicker shells and faster growth. At the same time, the unharvested seaweed is deposited on the seabed, performing a passive carbon absorption role (passive deposition), contributing to the extraction of carbon from the atmospheric cycle.
This model falls under the concept of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), in which species from different trophic levels are cultured together to take advantage of biological by-products, improve water quality and enhance the overall efficiency of the farming system. IMTA is known to be a sustainable approach, reducing environmental impact and diversifying the harvest.
In addition, projects such as those of Regeneration.org and the 3D ocean farming model – GreenWave in North America have also shown the effectiveness of combined shellfish and seaweed farming as “powerful agents of renewal”, helping to clean water, reduce acidification, and at the same time create economic value with very low input requirements.
Integrating renewable energy into manufacturing operations
One of the key directions is to apply solar and wind energy to aquaculture systems, especially to operate aeration systems and water pumps. Gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels helps to cut direct emissions and improve economic efficiency.
Strengthening international cooperation and enhancing the value of seafood brands
The green transformation strategy cannot be separated from market development, trade promotion and green branding for Vietnamese seafood. At the same time, international cooperation to access new technology is also very important, helping seafood production facilities learn and effectively apply modern, environmentally friendly solutions.
Conclusion
Net Zero Strategy in Aquaculture brings dual benefits: protecting the environment, reducing negative impacts on the climate, enhancing brand value, expanding export opportunities to demanding markets such as the EU, the US or Japan. It can be said that the path to Net Zero of the seafood industry still has many challenges, but with the support of the Government, businesses, science and the international community, this is not only a trend but also a golden opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its position as the world's leading sustainable seafood producer.