In recent days, dozens of offshore fishing vessels from Da Nang, and such central regional localities as Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Thanh Hoa, have berthed bumper-to-bumper at the Tho Quang Fishing Wharf after their trips to the national territorial waters.

Some fishing vessels leaving the Tho Quang Wharf for the Hoang Sa fishing grounds

Fisherman Le Xien onboard fishing vessel TH 90372 from Thanh Hoa Province, said his boat recorded bumper catches from its recent offshore fishing trip thanks to the use of fishing net winches. He also highlighted the important role of the fishing net winches in saving time to control the catch and catching more fish.

Sharing reason for berthing at the Tho Quang Fishing Wharf, the fisherman said the travel distance between the Hoang Sa fishing grounds and the wharf was closer and more convenient than that between the Hoang Sa waters and Lach Bang Port in Tinh Gia District, Thanh Hoa Province.

“Thanks to the bumper hauls, our boat made a profit of nearly 100 million VND” Mr Xien said happily.

He added his crew members were making preparations for their next offshore trip and then returned to Thanh Hoa Province to celebrate Tet with their family members.

Phan Van Thai, a fisherman from Quang Ngai Province’s Duc Pho District, said “Due to the influence of the on-going northeast monsoon, there are plenty of fish in the sea near the shore. We have brought nearly 10 tonnes of fish to the Tho Quang Fishing Wharf”.

According to Mr Huynh Van Phuong, Head of the Management Board of the Tho Quang Fishing Wharf and Port, about 40 fishing boats in total docked at the Tho Quang Wharf every day and brought back about a total of 200 tonnes of fish.

He explained the reason for the majority of fishing vessels from central regional localities choosing the Tho Quang Fishing Wharf as their stop after their offshore fishing trips is that the travel distance between the Hoang Sa fishing grounds and the wharf is very close. Besides, the existing navigation channels at the fishing wharf are more convenient and safer.

The bumper catches of fish in these days leading up to Tet

In the build up to the Tet Festival, many of the fishermen in Da Nang have been busy heading out to sea for their pre-Tet offshore fishing trips.

Captain Ho Ngoc Hiep of DNa 90361 from Thanh Khe District’s Thanh Khe Dong Ward and his crew members are now fully prepared for their offshore trip.

Mr Hiep hoped that they would have a successful and bumper trip in order to celebrate a happy and warm Tet with their families.

Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Phu Ban said, in 2019 alone, the fishing industry recorded numerous remarkable achievements. In particular, a combined total of 37,636 tonnes of seafood were caught, an increase of 1,400 tonnes against 2018.

“38,300 tonnes of seafood are expected to be caught during the year. In addition, the city will focus on issuing support policies for local fishermen, as well as enhancing the capacity and efficiency of offshore fishing activities” he added.

By HOANG HIEP - Translated by MAI DUNG