Seasoned fishermen in Da Nang always take time to "watch the sky, the earth, and the clouds" before setting off on a voyage. To them, nature offers valuable signs about the weather and what lies ahead.

Fisherman Cao Van Minh (left) says that while machines may break down, folk wisdom never fades. Photo: T.Y.

Mr Nguyen Van Hoang, a fisherman from Son Tra District’s Nai Hien Dong Ward, owns a fishing boat that operates near the Hoang Sa fishing grounds. He stays ashore during storms but otherwise embarks on month-long trips at sea.

According to Hoang, rough seas often bring fish in schools, making it an ideal time for catching valuable seafood. With over 30 years of experience, Hoang not only navigates with modern tools but also relies heavily on traditional knowledge. He and other fishermen observe the sky, wind, and humidity before sailing, interpreting signals like cloud formations and wind directions to predict storms or calm seas.

For instance, clouds clustering in July signal heavy rain, and western winds in the same month warn of caution. Hoang shares that this knowledge is not learnt from books but acquired through years of experience facing harsh conditions at sea. He recalls navigating his ship through violent storms without radio signals, using only his instincts and understanding of nature to bring the crew safely home. "Sailing isn't just about strength; you must understand the sea and be ready for unpredictable weather" Hoang explains.

Aside from storms, seafarers like Hoang have also learnt to adapt to the smallest changes in nature. Not long ago, while his boat passed through a warm water zone hundreds of nautical miles from shore, fish disappeared. He quickly realised this was a sign that the ocean current was shifting. "This isn't something anyone teaches you; it's something you learn yourself from countless trips to sea" Hoang smiles, his eyes filled with the pride of a seasoned fisherman who has weathered many storms.

Mr Le Minh Chuyen, another seasoned fisherman, captains a fishing boat in the same waters. He emphasises that while modern equipment like GPS and wave meters are helpful, they cannot replace the experience gained from reading the sea. Chuyen points out that even the smell of the wind or the colour of the water can signal weather changes, such as the approach of a storm when the sea turns murky.

Similarly, fisherman Cao Van Minh compares sailing without folk wisdom to venturing into a forest without a map. "You might get lucky once or twice, but in the long run, you need experience to stay safe" Minh says. In today’s world, where technology plays a big role, Minh believes machines can only assist, while traditional knowledge remains the foundation of a fisherman’s survival.

Minh also shares his passion for preserving this wisdom. He integrated the concept of “favourable weather” into his folk opera “The Soul of the Sea”, performed at a Fishermen's Festival in 2021.

Minh reflects that fishermen face "fierce winds and storms" every year, but it is their knowledge and calmness that help them navigate the dangers. He stresses that if this folk wisdom is not passed on, it risks being lost forever.

For generations, Da Nang's fishermen have used idioms and proverbs to guide them through unpredictable seas. Folklorist Vo Van Hoe explains that these sayings, distilled from years of experience, act as practical guides for reading seasonal weather patterns.

Hoe has collected many of these sayings through fieldwork in Da Nang’s coastal villages. He emphasises that these are more than just survival tips; they represent a deeper cultural wisdom passed down through time. For example, the proverb “Thick clouds in the east, red skies in the west” has helped fishermen predict weather conditions for generations.

Ms Dinh Thi Trang, President of the Da Nang Folk Arts Association, agrees that this knowledge has been crucial in helping fishermen avoid loss of life and property. Most of this folk knowledge stems from observing natural phenomena like winds, clouds, stars, and tides. For instance, mist rising from the sea usually indicates rough seas within days. Or if clouds cover the Son Tra Mountain, rain or wind is likely on the way.

However, skilled they are at predicting weather, fishermen in Da Nang cannot always escape storms during their long trips at sea. As Cao Van Minh puts it, "The weather is unpredictable, but for those whose home is the sea, they must endure whatever comes". This resilience and determination are what have enabled generations of Vietnamese fishermen to continue their work, safeguarding the country's fishing grounds in the East Sea.

Reporting by TIEU YEN - Translating by TRUC VY