Addressing Aquatic Animal Welfare in Vietnam’s Education System: Insights from a Half-Day Workshop at Tra Vinh University
On a transformative day for Vietnam’s aquaculture and education sector, Tra Vinh University (TVU) hosted a half-day workshop aimed at addressing the aquatic animal welfare (AAW) education gap within the Vietnamese education system. This workshop served as a collaborative platform where key project outcomes, stakeholder insights, and actionable strategies for AAW in education were shared. The event gathered academic, governmental, and industry representatives, all working towards a unified goal: building an understanding and implementation of aquatic animal welfare in Vietnam’s education and industry.
Key project findings and presentations
During the workshop, TVU showcased the findings from their comprehensive study on AAW in Vietnam. This included:
Perception survey results: Insights were presented from a perception survey involving educators and tertiary students from aquaculture-related programs, and industry stakeholders from southern and south-central Vietnam.
Curriculum benchmark assessment: Comparative curriculum assessments were conducted at Tra Vinh University and Can Tho University (CTU) to understand how AAW is currently integrated and to identify areas for improvement.
Student research outcomes: Results from a focused research study on second and third-year students at TVU added a vital perspective, providing first-hand data on how education can impact the AAW awareness, attitudes and understanding among emerging industry professionals.
Tra Vinh University workshop participants
A variety of industry stakeholders attended, including representatives from FAI Farms, Minh Phu Seafood Supply Chain Co. Limited, Rynan Smart Aquaculture Cooperation, Bioblue Vietnam, Thong Thuan Tra Vinh Seafood Joint Stock Co., Thoai Phat Private Enterprise, Huythuan Fishery Investment Co. Limted, Dinh Viet Fishery Technical Solutions Consulting Co. Limited, Chau Phi Fishery Joint Stock Co., Tam Thuong Feed and Facilities Distributor, Thong Thuan Shrimp Processing Factory, Vicom (aquatic veterinary medicine company), and farm owners. Tra Vinh University faculty of aquaculture, aquaculture research center, projectment management office, and learning center were also in attendance. These stakeholders, along with other participants, engaged in discussions on bridging the knowledge and practice gaps in AAW education.
Presentations from esteemed organisations, including the Research Institute Aquaculture 2 (RIA2) and CTU, provided insights into AAW's role in promoting sustainable aquaculture. The Shrimp Welfare Project, a key collaborator, also presented solutions for addressing AAW issues in shrimp farming, adding depth to the conversation around welfare standards in the seafood industry.
Breakout sessions and SWOT analysis on AAW education
The workshop included interactive breakout sessions where participants conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis regarding the integration of AAW into the Vietnamese educational framework. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including academics, government officials, industry stakeholders, alumni, and students, brought their unique perspectives to the table. Together, they analysed the potential for AAW to become a core component of education, from initial awareness-raising to full integration in training programs.
Some of the strengths identified included:
The Vietnamese government’s interest in policy development to address aquaculture challenges.
AAW awareness among academic staff, many of whom are already engaged in AAW-related research.
Financial support from some organisations and enterprises for AAW training initiatives.
A large, well-established aquaculture sector moving towards sustainable practices.
Some of the weaknesses identified included:
Limited access to AAW knowledge among current industry professionals due to its relative novelty in Vietnam.
Cost barriers to AAW training and application, along with a shortage of Vietnamese-language AAW resources.
Curriculum limitations due to a highly regulated and overloaded framework, making AAW integration challenging.
Absence of a model AAW program in Vietnam and limited urgency for its immediate integration.
Some of the opportunities identified included :
Enhanced global competitiveness for Vietnamese aquaculture products as a result of high welfare practices applied.
Enrichment of the academic curriculum and improved international recognition of graduates.
Increased student confidence and value-added contribution to the industry through AAW education.
Alignment with international certification standards and quality control requirements for aquatic animal commodities.
Some of the threats identified included:
Limited AAW-specialised training infrastructure in Vietnam, with many AAW consultants currently sourced from international organisations.
High costs of welfare-compliant practices potentially impacting product competitiveness.
Insufficient funding and resources for specialised AAW training, including facilities, equipment, and learning materials.
Absence of AAW-focused regulations in the current government framework, restricting its inclusion in official curriculums.
A path forward: from insights to action
The workshop culminated in discussions on transforming SWOT analysis outcomes into an actionable implementation plan. Participants proposed approaches to introduce, enrich, and incorporate AAW education within Vietnamese institutions. Strategies included policy advocacy, partnerships with international AAW organisations, and increased government and industry support for AAW training.
Project and workshop outcomes, and proposed solutions will be published soon. For further information, interested parties can contact Dr. Pham Kim Long at Tra Vinh University.
Key Takeaways from Participant Feedback
Feedback gathered post-workshop highlighted the event’s impact and areas for future focus. Participants found the workshop informative and engaging, particularly appreciating the:
Collaborative atmosphere: The opportunity to connect with other stakeholders created a dynamic environment for sharing ideas and building partnerships.
SWOT analysis exercise: This hands-on activity allowed participants to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to AAW in education, yielding valuable insights.
Awareness and networking: Improved awareness about AAW’s significance in sustainable aquaculture, alongside the chance to network with industry and educational leaders.
Framework for AAW assessment: Discussions helped illuminate the criteria needed to establish effective welfare assessment standards in aquaculture.
Dr. Pham Kim Long presenting at the meeting
Participants shared several insightful suggestions for furthering AAW education, particularly highlighting areas where additional clarity would be beneficial. They noted a need for more guidance on AAW assessment standards and practical applications within high-value export species. Additionally, attendees expressed interest in a deeper look at the comparative curriculum assessments between TVU and CTU.
Many participants voiced enthusiasm for extending the workshop length, allowing more time for rich discussion and insight-sharing. Suggestions for future improvements included inviting additional AAW experts and hosting follow-up events to continue building on the valuable knowledge exchange.
This project and workshop represent a major step forward in addressing the AAW education gap in Vietnam. With cross-sector collaboration, we’re progressing toward stronger, globally-informed aquaculture practices. Stay tuned for the full report and explore the innovative, collaborative future of aquatic animal welfare in Vietnam!