A large number of lobster seeds are illegally imported to Vietnam
The Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has ordered relevant agencies to strengthen inspections and promptly detect and strictly handle cases of illegal trading and transportation of lobster seeds across the province.
According to Khanh Hoa Police, from the beginning of 2024 to date, authorities have uncovered 13 cases and destroyed nearly 850,000 lobster seeds of various types, with an estimated total value of approximately VND 34 billion (approximately USD 1.34 million).
Khanh Hoa Police noted that the illegal importation and transportation of lobster seeds from abroad has become increasingly complex. The practice poses a high risk of introducing diseases and low-quality stock, severely affecting local aquaculture, increasing costs for farmers, and causing significant tax revenue losses.
Collected data indicates that most lobster seeds are smuggled in from regional countries, primarily via air transport. Official import channels, which include quarantine, acclimatisation, and proper management, represent only a small portion of the market supply.
"Due to high profits, many organisations and individuals either fail to comply or only partially comply with legal regulations," the police stated.
Demand for lobster seeds is expected to surge in the coming months as the farming season begins, likely driving prices higher.
Khanh Hoa currently has around 100,000 lobster farming cages, producing more than 3,000 tonnes annually. Cam Ranh City is considered the province’s lobster farming hub, with approximately 70,000 to 80,000 cages and an annual output exceeding 2,600 tonnes.
