Founded at the end of 2012, Son La Sturgeon One Member LLC specialises in sturgeon farming on the Son La hydropower reservoir. A decade ago, few believed sturgeon, typically raised in cold-water climates like Russia and Belarus, could thrive here. But Vietnam Sturgeon Group proved otherwise, turning the impossible into reality.

Son La boasts a vast reservoir with abundant natural food resources and water temperatures ideal for sturgeon growth. In 2012, the company piloted sturgeon farming with 20 cages and over 20,000 Beluga and Russian sturgeon. The Beluga variety — a purebred species imported by the group — can produce roe that sells for 7,000–8,000 USD per kg, while the meat fetches 15–20 USD per kg.

After two years, the first commercial harvest was ready, with an average sturgeon weight of over 1.5 kg. In November 2015, the company relocated all farming cages to La Muong hamlet, Muong Trai commune — a location outside the main Da River current, ideal for feed transport and product distribution.

Thanks to the group’s extensive experience and expertise from international aquaculture specialists, the company has gradually improved its techniques, standardizing processes according to VietGAP standards. From 20 cages and 1,000 fish initially, Son La Sturgeon One Member LLC has now expanded to nearly 265 cages, 70 nursery tanks, and over 40,000 square meters of water surface. The current stock includes around 200,000 fish, of which 3,000 are for roe production, and the rest are for sale, with an annual output reaching 300 tonnes.

Nguyen Van Lan, production manager at Son La Sturgeon One Member LLC, shared that since early this year, the company has supplied about 10 tonnees of sturgeon to Son La and nearby provinces including Dien Bien, Lao Cai, and Hoa Binh. Prices range from 250,000 VND per kg (for 1–3 kg fish) to 350,000 VND per kg (5–7 kg), and 900,000–1,000,000 VND per kg for fish over 30 kg. The company currently employs 15 full-time workers under open-ended contracts and 6–10 seasonal workers, with monthly salaries ranging from 7 to 40 million VND.

Bui Anh Hung, a local distributor and owner of Sam Sip Restaurant in Muong La district, confirmed high demand for sturgeon raised on the reservoir. “Our customers praise the quality of sturgeon here. My restaurant alone consumes several tonnes per month, in addition to supplying to various retail outlets inside and outside the district.”

According to the company representative, demand is growing rapidly in localities such as Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc, and Hanoi. To meet this, the company plans to scale up production. By 2026, it aims to release 300,000–500,000 juvenile sturgeon and boost annual output to 500 tonnes. Beyond fish farming for sale, the company also aims to focus more on roe production, significantly enhancing the economic value of sturgeon.

Duong Van Bieng, Deputy Director of the provincial Sub-Department of Livestock, Veterinary, and Fisheries, noted that sturgeon farming on the hydropower reservoir is a highly efficient economic model. The sub-department hopes the company will develop production linkages with cooperatives and households that meet sturgeon farming conditions. As such, the company would serve as a provider of fingerlings and technical support, and a buyer.

With its favourable environment and untapped potential, Son La Sturgeon One Member LLC plans to continue investing in and expanding its scale to meet market demand, contributing to local economic development.