The centre carried out a project with the International Copper Association in South East Asia (ICASEA) on Cat Ba Island, reports VNS.

Tuong Thi Lai, vice director of ICAFIS, said the strong, durable cages require low maintenance, have low mortality rates and allow zero escapes.

Also, copper alloys are antimicrobial, meaning they destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and other microbes. The fish are therefore healthier.

Moreover, by inhibiting microbial growth, copper alloy aquaculture pens avoid the need for costly net changes that are necessary with other materials. The resistance to organism growth also provides a cleaner and healthier environment for the fish.

However, experts said the cost for using the material in Viet Nam is still high, so adjustments needed to be made to lower the input costs.

Colin May, director of ICASEA, said once the copper alloy mesh cages were manufactured en masse, the input costs would fall.

Currently, fish cages made of nylon are more popular in Viet Nam. The country harvests 3.6 million tonnes of aquaculture products each year on a total of 1,100 hectares.