Tủa Chùa district, Điện Biên province boasts considerable potential for aquaculture development. With 80 hectares of water surface and 356 floating cages operated by 83 households around the Sơn La hydropower reservoir, the district’s total fish output reached 174.5 tonnes in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, the yield is estimated at 82.65 tonnes. To leverage this potential, Tủa Chùa has introduced several policies over the years to support fish farming, thereby improving local incomes.

One notable example is the family of Quàng Thị Hoa in Hamlet 1, Huổi Só commune. A seasoned aquaculture household, they operate six floating cages stocked with grass carp, carp, and tilapia. Thanks to the application of scientific techniques and proactive disease prevention, their fish grow well. The family harvests over 4 tonnes of commercial fish annually, earning more than VND 150 million in profit after expenses.

“These fish species are high-value, so any loss would be a significant financial hit”, said Hoa. “To ensure safety during storm season, I regularly inspect and reinforce the cages and anchoring systems, following the safety guidelines issued by local authorities.”

Tủa Chùa district recorded no aquaculture losses in 2024. However, with this year’s storm season approaching, local agricultural agencies are stepping up efforts. They provide frequent weather updates and warnings via mass media to help farmers stay informed and prepare accordingly. Farmers are also guided on assembling necessary supplies, cleaning and securing cages (including ropes and buoys), and relocating them to safer locations in the event of adverse weather.

Điện Biên district is another aquaculture hotspot. To protect his 1-hectare system of nearly 20 ponds used for both breeding and commercial fish, Phạm Quang Anh from Thanh Chăn commune has proactively reinforced weak points and elevated pond embankments. He closely monitors weather developments to make timely harvest and protection decisions.

“To minimize storm-related losses, I plan fish stocking schedules based on each species’ characteristics”, said Anh. “I’ve strengthened the pond banks to prevent overflow during heavy rains and strong winds, and I frequently inspect drainage systems while ensuring there’s enough fuel on hand to operate water pumps when necessary.”

In 2024, complex weather patterns disrupted aquaculture across the province, especially between July and September. Heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides, damaging 58.89 hectares of traditional fish ponds. Moreover, most aquaculture in the region remains semi-intensive, with small ponds, limited investment in upgrades, and no stable water source (prone to flooding in the rainy season and shortages during dry spells). Adoption of advanced scientific techniques remains limited.

To increase productivity and sustainability, several organizations and individuals have started investing in intensive, bio-secure, and VietGAP-certified aquaculture, which has proven economically effective. Currently, three aquaculture facilities in the province are VietGAP-certified. These include a red tilapia cage farm on Pe Luông lake in Thanh Luông commune (Điện Biên district), covering 48m² with a total volume of 90m3, another red tilapia cage farm on Hồng Khếnh lake in Thanh Hưng commune (Điện Biên district), spanning 72m² with a volume of 194m3, a third operation on Pá Khoang lake in Pá Khoang commune (Điện Biên Phủ city), covering 108m² with a volume of 291m3.

Nguyễn Thị Hằng, Head of the Faculty of Livestock Production, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries under the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, noted: “To reduce risks during the storm season, our office works closely with relevant agencies to monitor weather patterns and issue forecasts that help farmers plan accordingly. We also guide them on reinforcing cages and ponds and harvesting market-ready fish before storms to minimize losses.”