VIETNAM 



Ofiicial data on shrinp production are not available. The 

 Vietnam Fisheries Service has estimated that annual shrimp production 

 totals about 2.2 million pounds. All shrirap fishing in Vietnam is done 

 by native villagers along the coast of South Vietnam from Phan Thiet 

 southeastward to the Camau Peninsula. Shrimp are also caught in the 

 Gulf of Tonkin, but this area came vinder control of the Communist 

 Viet I-anh in May 1955. 



Using handmade gear, fishing boats catch shrimp along with 

 other fish during the season. 



Palaeraonidae shrLmp run 23 whole shrimp to the pound and 

 Penaeidae 12 to the pound. 



The Vietnam Fishery Service reports that it is trying to en- 

 courage the development of an industry by exhorting local businessman and 

 fishermen to form companies. Owing to lack of credit and inability to 

 visualize the benefits, results have not been too successful. 



The only commercial fishing operation is under the direction 

 of a local firm ^^^hich has been operating two Japanese deep-sea trawlers 

 under contract. These ships are used to catch a variety of fish, including 

 shrimp. They are manned by Japanese who are said to be training the 

 local commercial fishermen. These trawlers were obtained through the 

 International Cooperation Administration. 



Only Vietnamese citizens can apply for commercial-fishing per- 

 mits, but they may hold a contract vjith foreign shipovmers. "Mixed 

 companies" must have controlling interest by Vietnamese citizens. Ex- 

 ports of shellfish are taxed. 



Shrinp are usually sold fresh or dried; dried shrimp are ex- 

 ported. About 50 percent of the total catch goes into products for 

 export; the balance is consumed locally. No shrirr^) canneries or freezers 

 are in operation. 



Exports of dried shrimp from Vietnam in recent years, principally 

 to Hong Kong and Malaya, have ranged as follows (as reported in the United 

 States Foreign Service Despatches) : 



Pounds 



1952 l,lUi2,700 



1953 1,253,300 

 195U 729,100 



The potentialities for expansion of the shrimp fishery appear 

 good. The waters off Vietnam up to the 100-f athom line are rich in all 

 varieties of tropical fish. The shrimp caught in these waters are con- 

 sidered good eating by most Americans and compare favorably with United 

 States Gulf coast shrimp. Establishment of a central fish market and 

 cooperatives such as exist in Kong Kong would permit a greater expansion 

 of the Vietnam shrimp market, domestically and for export. 



63 



