Resolutely prevent trawlers from fishing in the wrong waters in Ha Tinh

This time is considered the peak period of trawlers fishing in the wrong waters in Ha Tinh, so the Border Guard force is taking drastic and continuous action to fight and prevent it.

The problem of trawlers in peak season

Video: Fisherman Nguyen Chi Bao in Xuan Lien commune (Nghi Xuan) talks about the problem of trawlers.

According to regulations, trawlers are only allowed to operate 24 nautical miles from shore, however, the situation of trawlers competing for fishing grounds, fishing close to shore, and exploiting seafood destructively occurs frequently in Ha Tinh. In particular, from June to October every year is considered the peak season of "rampant" trawlers because there are many shrimps (sea shrimp) coming to shore, dragging fish, shrimps, and crabs along, so the fishing grounds are quite abundant.

Fisherman Nguyen Chi Bao in Lam Vuong village, Xuan Lien commune (Nghi Xuan) reported: “In early June 2023, in Nghi Xuan sea, trawlers were operating quite densely, continuously day and night. There were times when, taking advantage of the darkness, this fleet of boats came only 1 km from shore to fish, the sound of the boat engines echoed across the sea, reaching the village, making us fishermen restless. The situation only calmed down when we reported it and the Lach Ken Border Guard actively intervened to repel and prevent it.”

Resolutely prevent trawlers from fishing in the wrong waters in Ha Tinh

Lach Ken Border Guard and other functional forces went to the area to gather information about the activities of the trawlers.

Captain Tran Van Manh - Deputy Captain of the Mass Mobilization Team of Lach Ken Border Guard Station shared: “Originally a child of Nghi Xuan fishermen, I felt very sad and heartbroken when I went to collect evidence on the trawler. They were willing to use electric shocks, explosives, and fish deep down, close to the shore. Only a few of the seafood caught were of a size that could be sold at the market, the rest were very small, mixed with mud, stuffed into sacks and sold as animal feed.”

Mr. Vo Van Thinh in Yen Diem village, Thinh Loc commune (Loc Ha) said: “Our boats are under 24 horsepower, operating 4-10 nautical miles from shore, with only 1-2 people on board. Meanwhile, trawlers have about 10 people, with a capacity of over 400 horsepower, so they look down on local fishermen. They are willing to damage fishing gear, cut nets; even if there is a conflict, they can capsize the boat and beat local fishermen. Therefore, when we see trawlers fishing close to shore, we have to be very cautious.”

Resolutely prevent trawlers from fishing in the wrong waters in Ha Tinh

Fishing boat with license plate TH-92002 was discovered by the Border Guard force exploiting seafood using trawl nets in the wrong sea area.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Dien in Tan Hai village, Cam Nhuong commune (Cam Xuyen): "Trawlers fishing in the wrong sea area is a "daily occurrence" and about 70% of them use electric shock. This fleet destroys fishing grounds, damages fishing gear, and affects the livelihoods of fishermen working near shore... so we are very upset."

Not only being aggressive and reckless at sea, some trawler owners also showed uncooperativeness and resistance when arrested and handled by authorities.

Take drastic action to prevent

To control the trawlers that are rampant on the nearly 33 km long coastline under its management and protection, during this time, Lach Ken Border Guard Station has mobilized maximum human resources, vehicles, and weapons to patrol, control, repel, and punish. In July alone, the unit has captured 8 out-of-province trawlers fishing close to shore, handled administrative violations of over 200 million VND, and applied many other additional penalties.

Video: Lieutenant Colonel Doan Duc Long - Chief of Lach Ken Border Guard Station talks about the fight to prevent trawlers.

Lieutenant Colonel Doan Duc Long - Head of Lach Ken Border Guard Station said: "In the past time, we have taken drastic and effective measures to prevent trawlers from fishing in the wrong sea areas, which has been highly appreciated by Party committees, authorities at all levels and fishermen. In the coming time, we will continue to strictly implement the orders and instructions from above, be proactive in everything to fight and prevent the problem of trawlers more effectively."

“Along with strengthening patrols and controls at sea, river mouths and estuaries, we will stick to the area to propagate and remind fishermen to strictly comply with regulations when fishing, listen to the situation, proactively provide information and support the authorities when needed. In particular, the unit has widely provided personal phone numbers so that people can call to report information at any time and we are ready to act immediately” - Lieutenant Colonel Doan Duc Long added.

Resolutely prevent trawlers from fishing in the wrong waters in Ha Tinh

Lach Ken Border Guard caught a trawler using electric shock to fish near shore on July 4.

Currently, 7 coastal border units are focusing on drastic measures, enhancing control capabilities on the 137 km long coastline from Nghe An to Quang Binh. Along with protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands, the border guards also focus on law enforcement in the coastal border area, especially chasing away and handling illegal fishing trawlers. Thereby, positive changes have been created, continuously strictly handling violations, gradually curbing this dangerous fishing situation.

Major Ho Van Ha - Political Commissar of Cua Sot Border Guard Station said: “During this time, we are increasing the frequency of patrols at sea, strictly controlling boats entering and leaving the estuary, expanding channels for receiving information, closely coordinating with local authorities and other functional forces to fight and prevent trawlers from fishing illegally. The process of chasing and capturing always focuses on ensuring safety, handling according to regulations, imposing punishments that are sufficiently deterrent and have a high propaganda and educational effect.”

Resolutely prevent trawlers from fishing in the wrong waters in Ha Tinh

The Border Guard has increased patrols and control of river mouths, estuaries, and at sea to prevent trawlers from operating on the wrong routes.

From the end of June 2023 to now, the border guards of Ha Tinh coastal line have continuously detected, arrested, and handled 9 cases/17 trawlers violating regulations when fishing; administratively fined nearly 420 million VND. Of which, Lach Ken Border Guard Station had 4 cases/8 ships, Cua Sot Border Guard Station had 2 cases/4 ships, Thien Cam Border Guard Station had 2 cases/3 ships, Squadron 2 arrested 1 case/2 ships. The violating ships were mainly fishermen from Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai...

Thanks to timely detection, strict handling, and the presence of fishermen as “eyes and ears”, illegal fishing activities by trawlers during this year’s peak season are showing signs of decreasing. The Ha Tinh Border Guard continues to proactively take action, deploying synchronous professional measures, mobilizing maximum human resources and means to control and eventually end this dangerous fishing problem.

Tien Dung - Thang Long

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