Quang Nham commune develops its marine economy.

Located along a coastline stretching over 7km, Quang Nham commune (Quang Xuong district) has long been known as a land rich in fishing traditions. With favorable natural conditions, abundant marine resources, and the diligence and creativity of its people, Quang Nham is rising strongly, becoming a bright spot in the development of the marine economy .

High-tech shrimp farming model in Quang Nham commune.

The marine economy has long been the main source of livelihood for the people of Quang Nham. The fishing village here was initially formed into small, scattered fishing communities, relying on manual labor and simple wooden boats. However, over time, with changes in economic thinking and support from government development policies, the seafood fishing industry in Quang Nham has undergone a significant transformation. People no longer rely solely on manual methods but have invested in larger, more powerful fishing vessels and modern equipment, increasing productivity and reducing risks at sea.

Modernization in the fishing industry is not limited to offshore fishing vessels. Quang Nham commune also places special emphasis on building infrastructure to support the fishing industry. From fishing ports and wharves to cold storage facilities and processing plants, every step is organized systematically to enhance the value of seafood. Seafood such as shrimp, fish, and squid are not only consumed domestically but also reach international markets, providing a stable income for hundreds of households.

Besides fishing, aquaculture is also a highlight in the commune's economic development. Extensive shrimp farming areas, utilizing advanced technology, are gradually transforming the rural economic landscape. Many households have shifted from small-scale production to large-scale farming models, applying high technology to control water quality, limit disease outbreaks, and increase productivity. For example, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh's family in Tan village previously only raised shrimp using traditional methods with a pond area of ​​less than 1 hectare. However, after participating in technical training courses organized by the commune and receiving loan support from the Social Policy Bank, Mr. Thanh boldly expanded his pond area to 3 hectares. His family also invested in aeration and water treatment systems, used high-quality shrimp breeds, and applied a biotechnology-based shrimp farming model. Currently, he harvests tens of tons of shrimp annually, achieving a revenue of over 2 billion VND, with a profit of hundreds of millions of VND after deducting expenses. These models not only ensure a stable source of income but also create jobs for local workers, especially women and the elderly.

Quang Nham not only focuses on fishing and aquaculture, but also develops accompanying services such as processing, transportation, and marine tourism . Some households have boldly shifted their business focus, opening homestays and restaurants to serve tourists who want to experience life in a fishing village. By promoting its unique marine culture, the commune is gradually creating its own distinct mark on the tourism map of Thanh Hoa province.

Currently, Quang Nham commune has 467 fishing vessels with a total capacity of 47,000 horsepower, including 392 offshore fishing vessels. In the first 10 months of 2024, the catch reached 10,500 tons, creating jobs for more than 2,500 workers. In addition, the commune has nearly 55 businesses and establishments producing and processing seafood, with an annual processing output of over 10,000 tons. Products such as dried fish, dried anchovies, and fish sauce have conquered markets both within and outside the province.

However, the journey of developing the marine economy in Quang Nham has not always been smooth sailing. The people here still face many challenges, from natural disasters and climate change to fierce market competition. Annual natural disasters not only cause property damage but also directly threaten the livelihoods of the people. To overcome these difficulties, the local government has strengthened coordination with specialized agencies, organized training to improve the skills of fishermen, and provided loan support to help them confidently continue their fishing activities.

Mr. Tran Van Long, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: "We clearly understand that to develop a sustainable marine economy, we need to effectively address the current difficulties faced by the people. The commune is focusing on implementing practical support solutions such as: upgrading fishing vessels, especially those with large capacities of 200 horsepower or more, to expand offshore fishing areas; providing high-quality aquatic species and organizing in-depth training courses on fishing and aquaculture techniques. Along with that, the application of modern science and technology in fishing and post-harvest preservation is being promoted by investing in storage systems, helping to maintain product quality upon return to shore, thereby improving the quality of raw materials for the seafood processing industry. Simultaneously, the commune is striving to attract businesses to invest in the purchase and processing of seafood, forming a closed value chain from fishing and aquaculture to processing and consumption." The locality has identified the exploitation, cultivation, and processing of aquatic products as a key economic sector, aiming to achieve a production of 55,000 tons by 2025, accounting for 47% of the commune's economic structure.

Text and photos: Chi Pham

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/xa-quang-nham-phat-trien-kinh-te-bien-231277.htm