Journal of Science – 2015, Vol. 3 (3), 124 – 130 Part C: Agricultural Sciences, Fisheries and Biotechnology 124 APPLYING MULTIPLE CRITERIA ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVE AQUACULTURAL MODEL IN NORTHERN CAMAU FRESHWATER AREA Nguyen Hao Quang 1 , Luong Van Khanh 1 1 Institute of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Information: Received: 22/06/2015 Accepted: 20/07/2015 Published: 24/08/2015 Keywords: Aquacultural model, Eel fish model, Marble goby fish model, Freshwater fish model, Forest – fish model, Multiple Criterial Analysis, Northern Ca Mau freshwater area ABSTRACT Multiple criteria analysis (MCA) is a framework for ranking or scoring the overall performance of decision options against multiple objectives (Che Dinh Ly, 2009). This study applied the scientific basis of MCA combined with on-site surveys to determine the sustainable and effective aquacultural model in Northern Ca Mau Province. A number of typical aquacultural models proposed by Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Aquaculture and Extension Center include: (i) Marble goby fish model; (ii) eel fish; (iii) freshwater fish; and (iv) forest fish. The criteria system was built on the opinion of three groups of managers in the field of aquaculture, specialized scientists and farmers as a model. In Northern Ca Mau freshwater area, the MCA results and on-site verification found that the Marble goby fish model was the most effective aquacultural model and Eel fish model was the least effective. 1. INTRODUCTION Ca Mau province, after more than 10 years of implementing the restructuring of agricultural production - fishing - forestry to fishing - agriculture - forestry, value-generating products has grown significantly; the amount of agricultural goods has increasingly improved in quality and quantity. In particular, the North freshening region of Ca Mau province plays an important role in providing food and staple food in the province (Ca Mau Statistical Office, 2011). In general, these results show agriculture of the North freshening area of Ca Mau province are positive developments. However, it cannot be said that the process of agricultural development is sustainable in this province. In fact, Ca Mau province is faced with many difficulties and challenges, including: - Irrigation system, irrigation infield serving agricultural production is incomplete. Besides, intensive investment level of farmers in the North region of Ca Mau is inadequate. Last but not least, post-harvest losses are very large (Duong Van Ni, 2008). - The situation of global climate change and sea level rise leading to natural hazards (storms, floods, droughts, landslides) consecutively occur with higher frequency and greater destructive power (specially U Minh districts). - Diseases of crops and livestock always are potentially harmful to worrisome levels and are costly in prevention and difficult to completely stop (Do Quang Tien Vuong, 2001). - Environmental soil and water pollution adversely affect agricultural production and human health and have a tendency to increase. Currently, agricultural structure and rural economy have shifted towards diversification and