For generations, the sea has been a shared home in the hearts of fishermen when it nurtures dreams of abundance and prosperity. Thus, beyond venturing offshore to earn a living and contribute to economic development, and safeguarding the sacred sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands, they have gradually fostered awareness and habits of both harvesting and preserving marine resources for today and future generations.

Recognizing the benefits of the sea, the fishing community devotes itself not only to economic development but also to the vital task of protecting marine resources. Photo: HUYNH VAN TRUYEN

Devotion to the mission

Under the golden hues of the setting sun, experienced fisherman Nguyen Dinh, the Head of the Community Organization for Co-Management in Marine Resource Protection in Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District (commonly known as the community organization), shared his thoughts. Having spent his entire life connected to the sea, he, like many other fishermen, has long understood its immense value. Beyond making a living and contributing to economic growth, he and the fishing community are wholeheartedly committed to protecting marine resources. Such efforts, in the long term, will ensure the diversity and abundance of marine life, sustaining the livelihoods of fishermen and enhancing the marine ecosystem's appeal to attract visitors to the city.

“In the lives of fishermen, the sea is both home and homeland. Protecting the sea is like protecting ourselves,” shared experienced fisherman Nguyen Dinh. “Since joining the community organization, we’ve deeply understood our role and, then spread the responsibility of protecting the sea to other fishermen. At times, when there are high waves and fierce wind, or the weather is unfavorable, we may sigh and decide to take a few days off from fishing. But then, we pause and think—what if something happens out at sea that requires the support of community organization? The thought unsettles us, so no matter how challenging it gets, we are always ready, wherever and whenever we are needed. We protect the sea with the belief that every marine species deserves a balanced existence—in diversity, population, and lifespan.”

According to the experienced fisherman Nguyen Dinh, the community organization has been active since 2008, consisting of 28 members, primarily local fishermen. Their area of protection includes the coastal waters and the surrounding zones of Son Tra Peninsula, such as Bai But, Bai Nom, Huc Lo 1 and 2 - Vung Da, Mui Nghe, and Dong Bai Bac. The members not only engage in fishing but also take on the role and responsibility of the fishing community in managing fisheries, preserving marine resources, and protecting the habitats of aquatic species.

"Each day, I divide the community organization into smaller groups, each consisting of four members," shared experienced fisherman Nguyen Dinh. "The members are tasked with monitoring and observing activities of vessels operating in the designated marine area, assessing water conditions, and promoting awareness to remind operators not to violate fisheries regulations. In cases of violations—such as fishing vessels over 12 meters in length operating in coastal waters or vessels employing destructive fishing methods like longline nets, trawling, electrofishing, explosives, poisons, or high-capacity electric equipment—the community organization is required to report the information to the team leader and relevant authorities for support and intervention."

"In 2024, the community organization detected five cases of fisheries violations, which were subsequently addressed by the Fisheries Sub-Department (under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) and the city’s Border Guard forces," shared experienced fisherman Nguyen Dinh. "Moving forward, the community organization aims to uphold its duties and foster solidarity to ensure the sustainable protection of marine resources."

For fisherman Nguyen Van Thu, the Head of the Community Organization for Co-Management in Marine Resource Protection in Thanh Khe Dong Ward (Thanh Khe District), shared that their role extends beyond protecting marine resources. The organization works alongside local authorities to assist fishermen in disaster prevention, collect marine waste, release fingerlings to regenerate resources, gather data, and assess the status of both marine resources and fishing operations in coastal areas.

"As fishermen, my fellow members and I deeply understand that the benefits derived from the sea are invaluable. Therefore, through advocacy efforts, most fishermen have gradually become more aware and adopted practices that comply with regulations to protect marine resources," shared fisherman Nguyen Van Thu.

According to the Department of Fisheries, the city has so far established community organizations responsible for co-management of marine resource protection in the coastal districts of Thanh Khe, Lien Chieu, and Son Tra, with a total of 105 members. This force acts as an extended arm of local authorities, contributing to the sustainable development and preservation of marine resources.

Diverse Solutions

Major Nguyen Dinh Cuong, Political Commissar and Deputy Head of Non Nuoc Border Guard Station, shared that the station regularly conducts independent patrols at sea, along coastal areas, and along the Co Co River. Additionally, they patrol the fiber optic station area and the border zone near Cua Dai Border Guard Station. Recently, the station has collaborated with the 2^nd Border Guard Fleet (under the city's Border Guard Command) to detect six fishing vessels from other provinces illegally harvesting marine resources in the city's coastal waters. The station has also carried out campaigns to educate and encourage local residents to surrender illegal fishing tools, resulting in the collection of 10 electric shock devices, 20 meters of lobster traps, and 9 plastic containers used for electrical fishing equipment.

“We have made direct contact 90 times with 560 fishing households who operate offshore and monitored vessels that are at high risk of engaging in illegal fishing activities, lacking proper reports or management. We have worked to raise awareness, and to ensure these vessels strictly comply with the regulations regarding marine resource harvesting. According to actual reports, most of the vessels operating offshore in the area are engaged in legitimate fishing activities and do not violate the rules on fishing practices,” said Major Cuong.

To ensure effective protection and exploitation of marine resources, Lieutenant Colonel Dang Van Dao, Head of Son Tra Border Guard Station, stated that every year, the unit holds a fishermen’s conference to summarize communication efforts and raise awareness among local fishermen. They strictly prohibit destructive and illegal fishing practices that harm marine species. As a result, the community has largely improved its understanding of illegal fishing activities, unreported and unmanaged operations, and the long-term protection of marine resources.

According to Luu Quang Khanh, Director of Department of Fisheries, in order to protect marine resources, the Department has advised the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and submitted a proposal to the City People's Committee for approval of a project titled "Investigation and Evaluation of Marine Resources and the Habitat of Aquatic Species in the Coastal Waters of Da Nang by Thematic Study".

Regarding the work on fish stocking and the restoration of marine resources, the department has coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Irrigation, the Department of Agricultural, and the Fisheries-Agriculture-Forestry Extension Center to release 53,000 freshwater fish fingerlings into Dong Xanh - Dong Nghe reservoir (Hoa Khuong commune, Hoa Vang district). At the same time, the department has supported the development of aquaculture by providing 72,000 freshwater fish fingerlings to 47 fish farming households in Hoa Vang district (including Hoa Phong, Hoa Khuong, Hoa Lien, and Hoa Chau communes) and has implemented a plan to assist with fish fingerlings for aquaculture households across the city.

“In the future, the department will strengthen efforts to protect and develop marine resources and assess the benefits and living environment of aquatic species in the coastal waters. We will continue to cooperate with local authorities and organizations to support community groups in protecting marine resources, thereby improving the effectiveness of operations and implementing fish stocking efforts to replenish aquatic resources in the area,” Mr. Khanh shared.

Reporting by TUONG VY – Translating by HONG VAN