The demand for sea cucumbers is increasing in the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets. The export price of dried sea cucumbers to China ranges from $200 to $400 per kilogram, while the purchase price of fresh sea cucumbers in Vietnam is 200,000 Vietnamese Dong per kilogram. Successful initiatives in sea cucumber breeding, farming processes, and the development of the coastal areas of Central Vietnam are creating new economic opportunities.
During a recent visit to Khanh Hoa province, we had the opportunity to explore Mr. Phan Van Tien’s sea cucumber farm in Tan Dan village, Van Thang commune, Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa. Mr. Tien’s farm spans 2.5 hectares and is located near Van Phong Bay (formerly known as Van Phong Gulf).
- Mr. Phan Van Tien shared that his family has been engaged in aquaculture for nearly 30 years. Previously, they cultivated abalone, rockfish, mud crab, and tiger prawn. Although these species were profitable, they were vulnerable to large storms and high tides, which caused them to be washed away into the sea and resulted in significant losses.
- Approximately ten years ago, Mr. Tien received advice from the researchers at the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 3 (RIA3) in Nha Trang to start sea cucumber farming. Sea cucumbers bury themselves in the sand, which protects them from being swept away by large storms or tidal surges.
- Initially, Mr. Tien had concerns about the market stability and the limited number of sea cucumber farmers. However, after being introduced to the Vietnamese Sea Cucumber Company, which offered a stable market, he decided to start sea cucumber farming.
- He currently raises 20,000 juvenile sea cucumbers per hectare, and each batch takes around 6 to 8 months to reach maturity. The Vietnamese Sea Cucumber Company purchases the harvested sea cucumbers at a price of 200,000 Vietnamese Dong per kilogram (after gutting). After deducting the costs, Mr. Tien earns a profit of approximately 360 million Vietnamese Dong per year from sea cucumber farming.
Sea cucumbers have the ability to anchor themselves to the sea bottom or bury themselves in the sand. They primarily feed on detritus and organic matter present in the seawater, which eliminates the need for additional feeding costs.
Furthermore, sea cucumbers act as natural water filters, which helps maintain a clean environment. When sea cucumber farming is combined with other species such as abalone, rockfish, and mud crab, or when integrated with shrimp or fish farming, it contributes to a healthier environment for those species to thrive.
The Vietnamese Sea Cucumber Company aims to establish stable partnerships with 3,500 sea cucumber farmers, with the goal of making the coastal areas of.