Photo courtesy of VN Express

A severe heatwave in Ca Mau province, Vietnam, has led to significant losses for local aquaculture farmers. Shrimp and crab populations are dying off as pond water levels drop and salinity rises. Farmers in the Mekong Delta region, where temperatures have soared beyond 37°C (98.6°F), report widespread devastation to their crops.

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The recent weeks have seen around 50% of 70-day-old tiger shrimp perishing in ponds like those owned by Huu Minh Ut in Tan Loc Commune. Similar issues have been noted by Dang An Hung in Dat Moi Commune, with crabs dying off and resulting in substantial financial losses. This environmental stress causes algae to overgrow and die, leading to deteriorated pond conditions and increased disease risk.

Farmers brace as the province enters its main farming season with aquaculture areas rapidly expanding. Over 1,300 hectares have been impacted this year, with losses exceeding 70% in many areas. This includes industrial, semi-industrial, and traditional shrimp farms and over 390 hectares of crab farms. Extreme weather accounts for 59% of the damage, with the rest linked to disease.

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Authorities are implementing measures to support affected farmers. The Department of Agriculture and Environment is advising on disease prevention and treatment, urging adjustments in stocking schedules and multi-stage farming techniques. The provincial government has appealed for 50 tons of chlorine from the national reserve to stabilize pond environments.

Experts predict challenging conditions ahead unless environmental factors are mitigated. Farmers are being educated on adaptable practices to improve resilience against future climatic disruptions.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 27 Apr 2026

Sadly, a sign of times to come.

The lower Mekong Delta region of Viet Nam is not doing well these days as environmental factors change.