Ngu Dien fishermen catch a lot of herring near shore

Mining output increased by 2.41%

For a long time, offshore fishing boats and coastal fishing boats have had the joy of a bumper harvest. Many boats, after deducting expenses, earn a profit of several tens of millions to several hundreds of millions of VND per trip, and the crew members are paid around 10 million VND per trip by the ship owner.

Mr. Tran Van Chien, owner of a steel-hulled boat in Phu Thuan commune (Phu Vang), could not hide his joy as this year's sea trips have been both profitable and well-priced. He shared that despite many unfavorable weather conditions, compared to many previous years, 2024 is more favorable, boats can go out to sea and stay at sea for long periods; although seafood prices are not as high as many previous years, they are quite stable.

In 2024, Mr. Chien's boat, like many other offshore fishing boats in the province, will have an average of 8-10 fishing trips in the open sea. Each trip lasts from a week to more than 10 days, and can bring in tons of seafood. After deducting the cost of fuel, ice for preserving seafood, and paying crew members, each boat will earn a profit of several tens of millions to over 100 million VND. This source of income not only helps boat owners cover all living expenses, maintain fishing gear, and nets, but also has the conditions to repay bank loans to build boats.

Coastal fishing boats have also been quite effective this year as nearshore seafood resources are showing signs of recovery. For many years, mackerel, anchovies, and scads have rarely appeared nearshore, but this year these seafood have reappeared in offshore areas. Fishermen have the opportunity to cast nets and pull in shrimp (scrambles) nearshore, bringing in a good income. Each nearshore fishing trip only lasts a day, and fishermen earn several million VND.

Mr. Nguyen Long An, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, informed that in addition to the efforts of fishermen, last year, the fisheries sector continued to receive attention from all levels and sectors through policies to support fisheries development and support investment in restructuring the agricultural sector. Therefore, the fisheries sector has achieved certain results, NTTHS has gradually adapted to the requirements of sustainable livelihoods; the number of offshore fishing vessels has increased, contributing to increasing production capacity, increasing output and value of aquatic products. The total output of aquatic products this year reached 43 thousand tons, an increase of 2.41% compared to 2023, of which marine exploitation reached 39 thousand tons and inland exploitation reached 4,000 tons.

Aquaculture is promising.

Hue City has a lagoon and coastal area stretching from Phong Dien town to Phu Loc district, with many advantages for brackish and freshwater aquaculture. Taking advantage of this advantage, localities maintain areas for raising specialty fish such as grouper, mullet, barramundi, etc., bringing high efficiency and economic value.

Mr. Vo Van Chuong in Quang Cong commune (Quang Dien) shared that despite the harsh weather, prolonged heat, and erratic rain and wind, compared to many years, aquaculture in 2024 achieved the expected results. Mr. Chuong's model of intercropping shrimp, crab, and fish aquaculture is profitable every year, and in 2024 alone, the profit is estimated to be over 100 million VND.

Among many new NTTHS models, people pay more attention to the model of intercropping shrimp, crab, and fish to adapt to climate change. Although the intercropping model is not as economically efficient as the specialized farming of black tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp, it shows its sustainability and adaptability to the complex and unpredictable environmental and climatic conditions today.

Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Nha, Deputy Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Quang Dien district, assessed that the 2024 aquaculture crop in Quang Dien brought positive results. This is a good sign. Fisheries officials stick to lakes and lagoons to monitor the weather and environment and have measures to support people in promptly handling incidents, contributing to minimizing damage caused by natural disasters. Farmers are more aware of environmental protection and comply with regulations and instructions of the agricultural sector on crop schedules, disease prevention, etc.

Recently, households maintaining shrimp farming on coastal sand have complied with regulations on low density, suitable seed stocking, seeds and feed purchased from reputable, quality establishments, combined with environmental treatment of water supply, drainage water... so it has brought about efficiency. Some households have taken advantage of abandoned white-leg shrimp ponds due to disease, switched to intercropping shrimp, fish, specialized farming of whales, rabbitfish and some brackish and freshwater fish, initially bringing efficiency and opening up new opportunities for NTTH on coastal sand areas.

Mr. Nguyen Long An said that in 2024, the total seafood output of the city is estimated to reach 64 thousand tons, an increase of 3.13%, of which the output of aquaculture products will reach 21 thousand tons, an increase of 4.65% compared to the previous year. This is proof that the exploitation and processing activities in the city have many positive and promising signs.

Article and photos: The Tri