A bountiful fishing trip

During a fishing trip lasting over 10 days at the end of the year, Mr. Tran Van Chien's steel-hulled fishing boat in Phu Thuan commune (Phu Vang district) caught many tons of various types of fish. The main seafood species were tuna, mackerel, scad, and other similar fish. Although their economic value wasn't high, the large yield compensated for it, ensuring that Mr. Chien's boat, like many others, made a profit. After deducting expenses, the boat owner earned over 100 million VND per trip, while crew members earned 7-10 million VND per trip.

Mr. Chien said that recently, seafood in the inshore and mid-shore areas has become increasingly scarce, especially economically valuable fish species such as mackerel, tuna, and barracuda. ​​With no other option, Mr. Chien's boat, like many others, has to diversify its fishing gear, venture further offshore, and stay at sea for extended periods. Most of Mr. Chien's fishing trips are in distant waters with relatively abundant seafood resources. Staying at sea for extended periods allows for the possibility of catching highly valuable fish.

Fisherman Do Van Thanh from Vinh Thanh commune (Phu Vang district) shared that, despite the general difficulties such as soaring fuel prices (at times 1.5 times higher), and the resulting increase in prices of many goods used for offshore fishing, many boats still venture out to sea and stay at sea for extended periods, yielding positive results. Mr. Thanh explained that continuous fishing and monitoring of fish schools are essential for effective operation. The bottom trawling fleet in Vinh Thanh commune has achieved this. Many boats generate average revenue of billions of dong per vessel, and after deducting expenses, each boat earns an average profit of over 1 billion dong.

Dr. Nguyen Quang Vinh Binh, Head of the Provincial Fisheries Department, assessed that although it was not the most effective year, this year the offshore fishing fleet in Vinh Thanh and the entire province in general was considered more efficient than in previous years. In addition to the gillnet fleet, the purse seine fleet, combined with light-assisted fishing, also operated effectively. Many vessels had average revenues of 1-1.5 billion VND per year, with profits ranging from 500 million to over 1 billion VND.

To achieve success in marine exploitation, in addition to the efforts and initiative of fishing vessel owners, the fisheries sector has focused on implementing many comprehensive and positive solutions. Many vessels have invested in modern equipment and fishing gear such as nets, lines, and fish finders for use in distant waters. The fisheries sector has issued fishing licenses to 35 vessels, creating favorable conditions for fishing throughout the province in accordance with the law, including 30 new licenses and 5 renewed licenses. 333 fishing vessels with a length of 15 meters or more have been granted certificates of food safety and hygiene compliance, and 26 fishing vessels have undergone periodic assessments.

The total number of registered fishing vessels currently in operation is 676, of which 433 are offshore fishing vessels with a length of 15 meters or more. In 2023, 392 fishing vessels registered to participate in offshore fishing, and to date, approximately 1,439 offshore fishing trips have been completed. Offshore fishing activities not only bring economic benefits but also contribute to strengthening national defense and security in the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands area.

The fight against IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing has been implemented synchronously and decisively according to the plans and actions of the central and local authorities. The results show that fishing vessels in Thua Thien Hue have not violated regulations on illegal fishing in foreign waters. Most fishing vessels are equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) in accordance with the law. The upgrading and investment in complete equipment at the shore station and the Fisheries Control Representative Office at Thuan An Fishing Port has been prioritized, ensuring basic operation to serve the strict control of fishing vessels.

Authorities conducted 19 specialized inspections as planned for 2023. As a result, 11 individuals were found to have violated regulations in the fisheries sector, and administrative penalties were issued within their jurisdiction. A total of 55.4 million VND in fines were deposited into the State Treasury. Of this amount, 4 fishing vessels violated regulations in the third quarter of this year, resulting in fines totaling nearly 29 million VND. The Inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also fined 2 individuals for violations, with a total of 26.5 million VND deposited into the State Treasury.

Since the beginning of the year, authorities have conducted inspections of fishing vessels arriving at and departing from ports, including 1,292 out of 2,082 vessels arriving (62.02%) and 1,298 out of 1,921 vessels departing (67.57%). Inspections of fishing vessels arriving at and departing from ports are being carried out by inspectors and fisheries enforcement agencies according to plan to strengthen the enforcement of fisheries laws, especially in the prevention and control of IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

However, according to Mr. Binh, law enforcement, inspection, and handling of violations by fishing vessel owners operating at sea still have certain limitations. The fisheries inspection force and equipment have not been officially assigned, and there is a shortage of personnel and job positions, failing to meet the needs of patrolling and controlling activities at sea. Deploying forces to combat violations in fisheries exploitation faces many difficulties.

Control over "sensitive" fishing methods such as trawling remains inadequate, lacking strict control over legal operating areas, while these vessels tend to encroach on coastal waters. Destructive fishing practices in inland waters persist, negatively impacting aquatic resources.

The fisheries sector's target for 2024 is to achieve a seafood production output of 42,000 tons, aligning with the goal of developing fisheries into a key economic sector of the province. Simultaneously, sustainable development and proactive adaptation to climate change are key objectives, combined with a rational production structure and organizational forms to achieve high productivity, quality, and efficiency, as outlined in the plan and action for implementing the province's fisheries development strategy for the period 2022-2025 and its orientation towards 2030.

Text and photos: HOANG THE