The history of aquaculture in the Tam Giang-Cau Hai Lagoon is not very long - the aquaculture was only introduced to the area in mid 1980s. Since early 1990s, the lagoon has experienced rapid and uncontrolled expansion of aquaculture areas, most notablly, the shrimp ponds. The area under aquaculture increased by 46 fold from 1990 (85 ha) to 2006 (3881 ha), and total production increased 10 fold from 1996 (302 tonnes) to 2006 (3632 tonnes), according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The fast expansion of aquaculture areas inevitably had its negative impacts on the lagoon ecosystem. Waste water from aquaculture ponds containing fish/shrimp feces and uneaten feeds, as well as chemicals to treat water and fish disease, flow into the lagoon and deteriorate its water environment. Limited knowledge on aquaculture among local fish farmers is another issue that concerns the majority of fish farmers with limited education and a few years of experience. Collection of fingerlings from the nature also adds extra pressure on the already over-exploited natural fish stock by capture fisheries in the lagoon.

Reflecting the above issues, the IMOLA Project is undertaking activities in the following areas to improve the performance and sustainability of the aquaculture.

Aquaculture survey	Aquaculture training	Aquaculture pilot models