From these initial successes, the province is moving toward expanding clean shrimp farming across its territory. The Ca Mau Department of Science and Technology is implementing the project “Mobilizing resources to expand the biosecure, low water-exchange, super-intensive recirculating whiteleg shrimp farming model in Ca Mau province.” The project will run for 24 months (January 2025 – December 2026), covering 12 communes: Ly Van Lam, Ta An Khuong, Quach Pham, Luong The Tran, Dam Doi, Cai Nuoc, Hung My, Phu Tan, Cai Doi Vam, Nguyen Viet Khai, Dat Moi, and Nam Can.

Recently, to evaluate the effectiveness and accelerate the expansion of the RAS-IMTA super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model, the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee organized the conference “Mid-term review and acceleration of the biosecure, low water-exchange, recirculating super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model (RAS-IMTA).” According to reports at the conference, more than 111 hectares have been registered under the project. Among these, 47 hectares across 10 households are already under farming, with some households re-stocking for the second cycle and preparing for the third. Results from two repeated crop cycles (28 hectares): average stocking density 180 PL/m², farming period 85 days, average survival rate 72% (maximum 76%), harvest size 30 pcs/kg; yield 35.3 tons/ha/crop; profit margin 60.8%.

With these outcomes, the model has achieved 81% of the yield target, 100% crop success rate, and a profit margin of 60.8% (7.8% higher than the original target). The advantages of RAS-IMTA include reduced discharge, high adaptability to farmers’ infrastructure, ease of application, and alignment with green aquaculture and circular economy development strategies. The polyculture component, combining tilapia and seaweeds (e.g., Gracilaria tenuistipitata, Enteromorpha), improves water quality, lowers production costs, diversifies harvest products, and increases farmers’ income.

Mr. Le Van Su, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, stated: “The biosecure, low water-exchange, super-intensive recirculating whiteleg shrimp farming model (RAS-IMTA) has the potential to create a breakthrough in the future development of the province’s shrimp industry. Therefore, we call on all departments, local authorities, businesses, and farmers to join forces in effectively expanding this model, as a foundation to ‘revive’ shrimp farming in particular and the fisheries sector of the province as a whole in the coming time.