The harbor entrance is silted up, and fishing boats are left ashore.

In addition to facing fluctuating fuel prices, many fishermen in the province are increasingly worried about the severe silting up of the estuaries. This situation has left thousands of fishing boats stranded, unable to go out to sea, directly affecting the livelihoods and lives of coastal residents.

• The aquaculture industry is gradually taking shape.
• Developing a blue and sustainable marine economy.
• Ensuring security and order in the maritime border region.

At Nha Mat estuary (Hiep Thanh ward), hundreds of fishing boats of all sizes are frequently forced to stay ashore. The number of fishing trips has decreased sharply, to only 1-2 trips per month, much lower than before. This is usually the most favorable time of year for fishing, but many boats are forced to remain anchored, causing regret among the fishermen.

The silting situation at Nha Mat estuary.

Fisherman Nguyen Van Du from Nha Mat hamlet said that with the current siltation, boats can only enter and exit when the tide is at its highest. At low tide, even small vessels face difficulties. In many cases, fishermen have to hire tugboats or anchor far offshore and transfer goods ashore using small boats, increasing costs and risks.

Hundreds of fishing boats are forced to stay ashore, and many fishermen have switched to smaller-scale fishing using motorboats.

Alluvial deposits have accumulated in many beach areas in Nha Mat hamlet, Hiep Thanh ward.

Although the Nha Mat estuary was dredged two years ago, siltation is rapidly recurring. Some fishermen have pooled their money to hire equipment to clear the channel, but the results have been negligible. Navigating the estuary now heavily relies on experience and tides; even a small mistake can cause boats to run aground.

Fishermen from Nha Mat hamlet shared their difficulties with officers from the Nha Mat Border Guard Station regarding their boats being "stuck ashore."

The silting situation at the mouth of Da Bac commune has recently become serious, forcing many local boats to detour to the Khanh Hoi estuary (Khanh Lam commune) to enter and exit. However, this is only a temporary solution as the area continues to silt up rapidly.

According to boat owner Phan Thi Bich (Mui Tram B hamlet, Da Bac commune), many fishing vessels are forced to rely on the Khanh Hoi estuary for shelter. Although it is more convenient than other locations, the shallow channel still increases costs due to the need to transport seafood ashore, and some fishing trips even result in losses.

Many fishing boats at the Khánh Hội estuary are running aground, incurring additional costs and time due to the need to transfer goods to shore using smaller vessels.

As a hub for both local and non-local fishing vessels, the Khánh Hội estuary is also facing siltation issues. Large vessels, upon reaching shore, encounter low tides and have to hire smaller vessels to transport their cargo in order to sell it on time. This seriously impacts fishing efficiency and the logistics services of the fishing industry.

Statistics show that more than 700 local fishing vessels have been regularly "lying idle" recently, waiting for favorable tides and suitable cost conditions to go out to sea.

Pham Van Hien (far right), Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Khanh Lam commune, along with officers from the Kinh Hoi Border Guard Control Station, conduct a field survey at the Khanh Hoi estuary.

Pham Van Hien, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Khanh Lam commune, expressed his concern about the difficulties fishermen face in venturing out to sea, which have significantly impacted their livelihoods.

He noted that dredging the estuary is a very urgent need but requires significant funding and needs to be implemented in a thorough manner. Therefore, the local authorities requested the central government, the province, and relevant agencies to promptly develop solutions for dredging combined with the construction of sturdy embankments, creating favorable conditions for fishermen to continue their work at sea. At the same time, it is necessary to study the construction of a bridge across the estuary to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate the trade of goods.

The Party Committee and People's Committee of Khanh Lam commune surveyed the embankment at Khanh Hoi estuary and proposed solutions for coastal protection.

The silting up of the estuary not only creates immediate difficulties for fishermen but also affects the local marine economic development. Residents hope that fundamental solutions will be implemented soon to stabilize their livelihoods and ensure sustainable development.

Hoang Uyen - Huu Tho

Source: https://baocamau.vn/cua-bien-boi-lap-tau-ca-nam-bo-a128424.html