Sink or swim?: A political ecology of pangasius acqaculture in the Mekong Delta, South Vietnam, including an exploration of Better Management Practices (BMPs)

This thesis explores the social and environmental dynamics surrounding pangasius (catfish) aquaculture in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam. The industry has experienced significant growth and expansion over the last decade, which has resulted in serious social and environmental problems. A political ecology framework guides the study, by utilizing the concepts of risk, vulnerability, power and the organizing heuristic of scale to explore, explain and understand the industry, from the perspective of local pangasius producers. A qualitative field study was undertaken and the results were assessed alongside an existing survey conducted in 2008. Findings are presented under three themes. First, the diversity and complexity of the industry highlights growing vertical consolidation by larger producers. Second, global market instability shapes the conditions of production and renders some producers vulnerable. Lastly, social relationships and network connections were found to be important for pangasius farmers, particularly, an inequitable relationship between producers and processors emerges. The political ecology of pangasius production is characterized by social and economic complexities, with multiscalar processes driving conditions of production in South Vietnam. The study suggests the implementation of management strategies designed to improve the sustainability of the industry for producers. Of prime importance is the need for multidimensional and flexible production strategies, as well as new forms of cooperative support