Supporting fishermen to venture out to sea and maintain their livelihoods.

Spanning over 120,000 square kilometers of sea area, Ca Mau province has thousands of fishing vessels. In recent years, fisheries have faced numerous challenges: climate change has led to unfavorable and unpredictable weather; declining fish stocks; and rising fishing costs. Furthermore, the ongoing "yellow card" (IUU) imposed by the European Commission (EC) has negatively impacted the value of seafood. In response to this situation, Ca Mau province is simultaneously striving to have the yellow card lifted and implementing various support policies to create favorable conditions for fishermen to confidently venture out to sea.

• Launching the program "The Vietnamese Navy as a support for fishermen to venture out to sea and maintain their livelihoods."
• Naval Region 2 Command: Implementing the program "The Vietnamese Navy as a support for fishermen to venture out to sea and maintain their livelihoods" in Bac Lieu province.
• Proactively adapt to fuel prices to expand offshore fishing and maintain a presence at sea.

The difficulties faced by fishermen

Ca Mau has vast fishing grounds, a powerful fleet, and an abundant workforce, but fishing operations cannot rely solely on experience. The effectiveness of each fishing trip depends on many factors such as weather, the recovery of fish stocks, and especially the ever-increasing costs of each trip.

Sharing about the difficulties in fishing in recent times, Mr. Huynh Van Long, from Hamlet 1, Ganh Hao Commune, said: “I have two offshore fishing boats, but I haven't been able to take them out to sea since the beginning of the year. Fishery resources are dwindling, while fuel prices and other costs are constantly rising. Each fishing trip is a huge investment, from fuel and labor costs to food expenses... If the catch isn't satisfactory, I'm sure to lose money. I have no choice but to keep the boats docked, waiting for favorable weather and the right fishing season before I dare to let them go out to sea.”

Officers and soldiers of the Gành Hào Border Guard Post patrol the Gành Hào estuary.

Rising fuel prices are increasing the cost of each fishing trip, causing anxiety among many fishermen. Mr. Phan Van Phuc, from Hamlet 3, Cai Doi Vam Commune, owns two fishing vessels and one support vessel, but due to the pressure of increasing costs, he is still operating his boats at a reduced capacity. Mr. Phuc said: “Besides ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we also bear the increased costs of fuel and wages for our crews, while marine resources are decreasing, resulting in negligible income. If this continues, it will be very difficult for us to maintain our fishing livelihood.”

Practical support policies

In order to support fishermen so they can confidently go out to sea, over the years, Ca Mau province has not only resolutely fought against illegal fishing. ( IUU fishing) is not the only issue; many practical fisheries welfare policies have also been implemented. Recently, the Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 03/2026/NQ-HĐND, dated February 25, 2026, specifically stipulating financial support for upgrading and replacing equipment and subscription fees for vessel monitoring systems (VMS) for fishing vessels in the province. Immediately after its issuance, coastal localities quickly disseminated this policy to their fishermen.

Officers and soldiers of the Gành Hào Border Guard Station inspect the vessel tracking device on a fishing boat.

In Ganh Hao commune, the number of fishing vessels required to install vessel tracking devices is not large, but the local authorities and border guard station are still proactively promoting awareness. Mr. Le Van Hau, a specialist in the Economic Department of Ganh Hao commune, said: “In implementing the regulations on support for vessel tracking devices and fees, we are working closely with the border guard and other organizations to disseminate information to each vessel owner. The support for installation, repair, and subscription fees not only reduces the financial burden but also motivates fishermen to comply with the law and ensure safety while operating at sea.”

Not only in Ganh Hao commune, but also in Cai Doi Vam, the Border Guard Post has proactively disseminated information and guided fishermen to ensure they understand the support policies under the resolution. Major Vuong Hai Ho, Deputy Commander of the Cai Doi Vam Border Guard Post in Cai Doi Vam commune, said: “Immediately after the Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 03 on supporting fishermen, the unit developed a plan and coordinated with local departments and agencies to implement it. The goal is to help vessel owners and captains understand the content, conditions, and support schemes, thereby creating favorable conditions for them to confidently go out to sea and maintain their livelihoods.”

According to the resolution, the support for upgrading vessel tracking devices is no more than 6 million VND/device/vessel; 50% of the cost of replacing new vessel tracking devices is supported, up to 12 million VND/device/vessel; and the subscription fee for vessel tracking services for fishing vessels is supported at 100% as per the signed contract...

With rising fuel prices, many fishing boats belonging to fishermen in Cai Doi Vam commune, Ca Mau province, are returning to port.

The practical support from Resolution No. 03/2026/NQ-HĐND, officially effective from April 1, 2026, has brought joy to fishermen in the province. For boat owners, this is not only material support but also a motivation for them to maintain sustainable fishing. Mr. Vo Huynh Duc, from Hamlet 3, Cai Doi Vam town, happily said: “My family currently has 3 fishing vessels, all over 15 meters long. When the vessel tracking equipment malfunctions, we have to replace it immediately. Each new device costs 23-24 million VND, not including monthly subscription fees. Without the equipment, the boats cannot go out to sea according to regulations. Now that the State is supporting the cost of equipment installation and fees, I am very happy because it reduces many costs and allows me to confidently go out to sea to earn a living.”

Resolution No. 03/2026 of the People's Council not only provides financial support but also affirms the government's commitment to supporting fishermen during this challenging period. Once implemented, the resolution will serve as a foundation to alleviate financial burdens for fishermen, giving them the confidence to continue fishing at sea.

Thuy Lien - Duy Phong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ho-tro-ngu-dan-vuon-khoi-bam-bien-a127659.html