As recorded at Da Nang’s Tho Quang Fishing Wharf, in recent days, fishermen have been busy preparing for their post-Tet offshore fishing trips with the hope of a year full of good weather and bumper catches of seafood, thereby creating a stable income.

The Son Tra Border Guard Station and People's Committee of Nai Hien Dong Ward in Son Tra District present 150 national flags to boat owners to encourage fishermen to reach out to sea after Tet and to protect the country's sea and island sovereignty. (Photo courtesy of People's Committee of Nai Hien Dong Ward)

Mr. Le Van Xuan, the owner of fishing boats DNa 91113TS and DNa 90522TS in Binh Thuan Ward, Hai Chau District, said that this year, his ships went out to sea on February 22 (the 13^th day of the first lunar month).

The preparation for fuel, food and water has been already completed. Compared to every year, this year’s first post-Tet fishing trips depart later because there are not enough crew members.

According to Mr. Xuan, the labour force involving seafood exploitation and fishing in the city is very scarce. To set sail, each of his ships needs 9-10 crew members. Therefore, he often calls more boatmates from Quang Nam Province and other neighbouring localities.

“It's the first trip of the new lunar year so I also want it to be crowded, full and tidy. The machinery inspection is carried out very carefully in order to absolute safety for fishermen. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly so that the whole year will be lucky and have bumper fish catches" Mr. Xuan shared.

Similarly, fisherman Tran Van Anh from Quang Ngai Province said that he brought back about 10 tonnes of tuna and mackerel of all kinds from his pre-Tet offshore fishing trip. Therefore, he and crewmembers were very happy to have a full Tet.

According to Mr. Anh, the first post-Tet offshore fishing trips are very important for them because this is the lucky start of the new lunar year, so everyone eagerly hopes to return with bumper catches.

He hopes to enjoy bumper hauls on the first trip after Tet, thereby bringing high income and creating a happy and exciting atmosphere for crew members on board.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thu, Head of the Community Group of Thanh Khe Dong Ward in Thanh Khe District remarked that thanks to the favourable weather conditions, many members of the group went out to fish at the beginning of the lunar year.

"Such offshore fishing trips will not only exploit seafood and create income for the family, but more importantly, contribute in a small way to protecting and maintaining the national sovereignty over islands and seas" said Mr. Thu said.

To accompany fishermen, the city's agricultural sector and localities have been meeting and encouraging fishermen to confidently reach out to sea.

Previously, on February 21, the Son Tra Border Guard Station and People's Committee of Son Tra District’s Nai Hien Dong Ward presented 150 national flags to fishermen and launched a production labour competition to develop the marine economy. The purpose was to give more motivation to fishermen to go fishing at the beginning of the lunar year, as well as arouse the spirit of love for the homeland and country, and readiness to protect the country’s sovereignty of the sea and islands.

Mr. Nguyen Lai, Head of the Management Board of the Tho Quang Fishing Port and Wharf, informed that most fishermen are ready to reach out to sea after Tet. Between February 10 and 21, a total of 198 fishing boats left the port to go fishing, and 125 boats docked at the port with a seafood output of 563 tonnes.

The Management Board also mobilises fishermen and boat owners to strictly comply with regulations on fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by M.DUNG, P. TRA