“Vietnam Makes Waves in Aquaculture with Breakthrough in Cultured Greater Amberjack”
Vietnam has made a significant mark in the aquaculture industry by becoming the first country in the world to successfully artificially breed greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) – a highly valuable marine fish species, sought-after in many markets.
Greater Amberjack – Vietnam’s Blue Gold in Aquaculture
Greater amberjack, also known as amberjack or striped amberjack, is a highly valuable marine fish species, particularly favored in Japan – where it is a popular ingredient in premium sashimi and sushi dishes.
Japan is currently the largest producer of greater amberjack in the world, with an annual production of about 150,000 tons, accounting for 90% of global output. Apart from Japan, this fish is also highly sought-after in South Korea, the USA, and Europe.
Despite its high nutritional and commercial value, the price of greater amberjack in Vietnam remains relatively low, ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 VND/kg ($3.4 to $5.2/kg), while Japanese amberjack can reach prices of 900,000 to 1,800,000 VND/kg ($39 to $78/kg). With a rapid growth rate, this species can attain a weight of approximately 3kg within just 18 months of farming.
Previously, domestic greater amberjack farming faced challenges due to its reliance on natural stocks, leading to unstable development. However, in April 2025, the Institute of Marine Aquaculture I made a groundbreaking achievement by successfully artificially breeding greater amberjack for the first time. The experimental results yielded around 3 million eggs, with a fertilization rate exceeding 90%.
This success not only marks a technological breakthrough in artificial breeding but also opens up opportunities for the development of industrial-scale marine aquaculture, enabling Vietnam’s aquaculture industry to more effectively exploit this valuable marine resource.
The Potential for Industrial Marine Aquaculture Development with Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjack exhibits a rapid growth rate, capable of reaching approximately 3kg in weight within just 18 months of farming. This species is particularly well-suited for offshore cage culture, alleviating pressure on coastal areas and fostering the conditions for sustainable marine aquaculture.
The successful artificial breeding of greater amberjack empowers Vietnam with self-sufficiency in high-quality seed stock, no longer relying on natural fish stocks. This breakthrough paves the way for a new direction in aquaculture: developing an integrated farming-processing-export chain, specifically targeting premium markets such as Japan, South Korea, the USA, and Europe.
This achievement signifies not just a technological advancement in aquaculture genetics but also lays the foundation for modern, efficient, and sustainable marine economic development. It stands as a testament to the crucial role of science and technology in enhancing the value of Vietnam’s agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
