¡¡¡¡HANOI, March 29 (Xinhuanet) -- Vietnam's aquatic industry recorded increase in production but decrease in export earning in the first quarter this year.

¡¡¡¡The country's aquatic produce output reached almost 515,400 tons in the first three months, a year-on-year increase of 4 percent, according to the Fisheries Ministry of Vietnam.

¡¡¡¡Of the figure, nearly 331,000 tons were caught from the sea andthe remainder came from domestic catch and aquaculture.

¡¡¡¡In the first quarter of this year, the country's aquatic product exports remained stable and earnings from seafood exports reached an estimated 323 million U.S. dollars, down 9 percent from the year-ago period.

¡¡¡¡The country has 887,000 hectares for aquaculture, including 408,000 ha of fresh water.

¡¡¡¡Vietnam exports its seafood to 60 countries and regions. Enditem

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