Fishermen across Da Nang are heading back out to sea after the recent drop in petrol prices.

Fishermen are excited

Most recently, the bustling trading atmosphere has been recorded at the Tho Quang Fishing Port and Wharf.

When petrol prices sharply fell, many fishermen in the city have returned to the sea to ensure the supply of seafood in the locality. In the photo: Fishermen sorting fish on a ship anchored at the Tho Quang Fishing Port and Wharf. Photo: VAN HOANG

Fishermen in Da Nang are entering the southern fishing season, the main fishing season of the year. Thanks to the favourable weather conditions and recent petrol price decrease, local fishermen are excited to prepare for their offshore fishing trips.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, the owner of fishing boat QNg 98894TS hailing from Quang Ngai Province’s Duc Pho Town, said that previously he suffered from heavy losses after offshore fishing trips due to a hike in fuel prices. Each trip lasted from 4-5 days, consuming 800-1,000 litres of oil.

The recently drop in oil prices has created favourable conditions for him and many other fishermen to reach out to sea, added he.

“The prices of fuel account for 60-70% of the total cost of each offshore fishing trip, so when gasoline prices drop, we are very happy. In recent times, we have had bumper catches of scads. In the last fishing trip, after deducting expenses, I earned more than VND30 million in profits" Mr. Nam shared.

Similarly, fisherman Nguyen Van Son residing in Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District, is seen preparing for his next offshore fishing trip.

Mr. Son informed that when the price of gasoline increased, his ship was forced to lie on the shore.

Since late June, the price of petrol has decreased five times, motivating him and other fishermen to excitedly go out to sea during the southern fishing season.

Hopefully, the State and the city will continue to issue preferential and supportive policies for fishermen, making them feel secure to earn a living and contribute to protecting the country’s sea sovereignty, added Mr. Son.

More support policies for fishermen needed

According to Mr. Nguyen Lai, Deputy Head of the Management Board of the Tho Quang Fishing Port and Wharf, between August 10 and18, there were 850 turns of boats arriving and leaving the fishing port. On average, 50 ships arrived at the port and 32 left the port every day. Seafood output transported through the port reached more than 1,800 tonnes.

Currently, 312 fishing boats owned by fishermen in Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Thua Thien Hue, and Binh Dinh are anchored at the wharf.

In order to facilitate efficient operation of the fishing vessels, the management board always quickly handles administrative procedures for ships when docking and leaving the port, as well as facilitates suppliers of petrol, ice, fresh water, etc to operate effectively in the wharf.

The management board always arranges reasonable space for ships when transporting and consuming goods and products at the Tho Quang seafood wholesale market.

Chairman of Da Nang's Fishery Association, Mr Tran Van Linh, suggested the need for the central and municipal governments to issue more appropriate and practical policies to support local fishermen to conducting fishing activities, thereby promoting economic efficiency, and contributing to preserving the national sovereignty over its sea and islands.

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by M.DUNG