(HBO) - Hoa Binh lake has a total water surface area of 16,800 hectares, including 8,900 hectares in Hoa Binh province stretching 19 communes of four districts - Da Bac, Mai Chau, Cao Phong, and Tan Lac - and Hoa Binh city. This area boasts a great potential for the development of the fishery sector.
Hoa Binh lake is
considered a precious treasure of aquatic resources in the Northwest region.
The natural aquatic resources and distribution of local natural aquatic species
in the lake are relatively abundant.
As many as 24 natural spawning grounds of four fish groups have been identified
in the area of Hoa Binh lake, including the groups of floating-egg spawners;
sticky and semi-sticky egg spawners; laying-eggs-in-cave spawners; and those
incubate eggs in their mouth.
The fish system in Hoa Binh province’s Da
River includes 94 species and subspecies belonging to 712 varieties and 21
families in eight orders. Of them, there are 88 indigenous fish species. There
are many rare fish species in the lake such as: Chien (Bagarius yarrelli); Bong (Spinibarbus denticulatus); Lang (Hemibagrus); Anh Vu (Semilabeo
notabilis) and other rare aquatic species.

From 2012 onwards, Hoa Binh province has maintained
the release of young fish into Hoa Binh lake to increase its aquatic resources.
Attention
has also paid to reproducing fisheries resources. Hoa Binh province has
maintained campaigns to raise public awareness of protecting fisheries
resources and releasing young fish in the lake for many years.
According to the provincial Department of Fisheries, in recent years, the fishing
activity and fish farming in the Hoa Binh lake helps reduce poverty,
importantly contributing to local economic development.
However, the over-exploitation of aquatic
products and violations of relevant regulations have caused a decline in
aquatic resources, and put many rare fish species in danger of extinction.
The local authorities are focusing on researching and transferring the application
of raising aquatic species with high economic value, disease resistance and adaption
to natural conditions of each area, thus promoting clean and sustainable
aquaculture.
Hoa Binh is also paying heed to creating
new jobs for local people around the lake such as raising fish in cages and,
enhancing the processing of aquatic products, and developing other trades in
order to reduce the over-fishing. Meanwhile, models for managing and protecting
fishery resources have been also set up with the involvement of local
communities./.
The women's unions at all levels in Kim Boi district have been making significant contributions to the movement of building cultural life in the local community.
The movement helps improve rural look and the spiritual and material lives of local residents.
The Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee has issued an action plan to ensure food safety, promote processing, and develop the market for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in 2025.
In recent years, the development of rural handicrafts has not only helped preserve and promote the traditional values but it has also created jobs and improved incomes for the local residents.
By harmoniously combining traditional medicine with modern medical practices, the Hoa Binh Traditional Medicine Hospital is strengthening its role in the province’s healthcare system.