On May 17, 2025, at the Ben Beo area (Cat Ba Town), the International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS – under the Vietnam Fisheries Society), the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hai Phong City, the People’s Committee of Cat Hai District, and JapiFoods Co., Ltd. jointly organized a seaweed seeding ceremony in Cat Ba.
In July 2024, with the support of the Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries (now the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance), the International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS) – under the Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFIS) – in collaboration with JapiFoods Co., Ltd., launched the “Blue Ocean – Blue Foods” Program. This initiative promotes seaweed as a strategic species for development, aiming to establish a “carbon sink for the fisheries sector.” Every seaweed seedling planted represents another step toward protecting the environment and safeguarding our planet – the common home of humanity.
In response to global climate change, Vietnam, like many other countries, has been pursuing a green growth strategy. Notably, the Vietnamese fisheries sector is undergoing a significant transformation toward green and sustainable development, with the “Blue Ocean – Blue Foods” program playing an important supporting role. The program sets an ambitious target to cultivate at least 1,000 hectares of seaweed in its first three years, contributing to low-emission fisheries growth, marine ecosystem restoration, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal fishing communities in Vietnam. Accompanying the program is JapiFoods, a pioneering enterprise in seaweed-based product development, committed to providing free seaweed seedlings and developing a closed-loop value chain to support seaweed farmers and advance the mission of ocean greening.
In October 2024, ICAFIS and JapiFoods, in coordination with the Hai Phong Sub-Department of Fisheries and the Cat Ba District People's Committee, conducted site assessments to evaluate the natural and climatic conditions for pilot seaweed cultivation in Cat Ba. The survey indicated that Kappaphycus alvarezii (cottonii) is highly suitable for integrated farming models within existing aquaculture rafts. Such integrated systems bring multiple benefits, including improved aquatic environmental quality, enhanced growth of aquatic species, and increased incomes for farmers.
In April 2025, in celebration of Vietnam’s national holidays, the “Blue Ocean – Blue Foods” Program Management Board, together with Mr. Vu Trong Hieu (Chairman of Cat Ba Town), representatives from the Cat Hai District Agriculture Office and Cat Ba Bay Management Board, organized a visit to present national flags and gifts to 82 offshore aquaculture households. During this visit, the team also selected 30 households to participate in seaweed cultivation under the “Blue Ocean – Blue Foods” program in Cat Ba.
To mark this meaningful milestone, on May 17, 2025, ICAFIS – as the coordinating unit – officially organized a Seaweed Seeding Ceremony in Cat Ba. During the event, seaweed seedlings and technical guidance were provided to 30 participating aquaculture households. This activity lays a strong foundation and builds confidence among local fishers to jointly develop the carbon sink for the fisheries sector, contributing to a greener planet. The ceremony also aims to spread the message of ocean protection, promote sustainable green fisheries development, and foster a better future for generations to come.
Seaweed Seeding Ceremony in Cat Ba – Nurturing Green Miracles for a Greener Planet
On May 17, 2025, at Ben Beo (Cat Ba Town), ICAFIS, the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Cat Hai District People’s Committee, and JapiFoods co-hosted the Seaweed Seeding Ceremony under the Blue Ocean – Blue Foods program.
As part of this initiative, 30 local households received free Kappaphycus alvarezii seedlings and technical training. The harvested seaweed will be purchased by JapiFoods to produce seaweed-based products. The program aims to cultivate 1,000 hectares of seaweed in 3 years, contributing to climate-resilient aquaculture, carbon sequestration, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
The event was attended by key representatives from the fisheries sector, local government, and actress Quynh Chau, ambassador of the program. Together, they symbolically handed over the seedlings and joined farmers in the first seeding.
Vietnam’s marine aquaculture strategy targets producing 170,000 tons of seaweed by 2025 and 500,000 tons by 2030. With pilot sites in Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan, the Blue Ocean – Blue Foods program is creating new economic opportunities and spreading the message of ocean protection and green development.
According to Mr. Dinh Xuan Lap, Deputy Director of ICAFIS Center, building a “carbon sink for the fisheries sector” through seaweed cultivation is a major goal that requires coordination among government agencies, local authorities, businesses, and especially consumers. When consumers recognize the value of seaweed and increase demand for seaweed products, local farmers will be more motivated to grow and commit to this industry.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Sam, Director of JapiFoods, also emphasized the central role of the consumer market: “To expand seaweed cultivation areas and develop the industry, seaweed products must be well accepted by consumers.” JapiFoods has pioneered the development of diverse seaweed-based products such as sea moss extract, sea moss gel, seaweed seasoning, seaweed jam, and collagen jelly, contributing to boosting domestic consumption and increasing the value of Vietnamese seaweed products.
In particular, all these products have traceability, as they are directly linked with seaweed farmers in Vietnam through a closed supply chain. Since the beginning of 2025, JapiFoods has been fortunate to receive strong trust and high appreciation from customers for its product lines. With the continued support of the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, the Vietnam Fisheries Association, and relevant agencies and local authorities, it is hoped that the Vietnamese seaweed industry will soon thrive and spread the message of environmental protection and safeguarding our planet — the shared home where humanity can live.
Ngoc Thuy, FiCen
