Solidarity at sea helps fishermen feel secure going out to sea, fighting IUU fishing

Solidarity group at sea supports fishermen in production - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

While preparing the fishing net for a new trip, Captain Nguyen Binh (member of the Thang Loi Solidarity Group), Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City, shared: Currently, on each offshore trip, his ship usually sets off with 11 other ships in the solidarity group. In addition to supporting and rescuing each other in times of trouble, the members also regularly contact each other when discovering fish streams to cooperate in fishing.

"When traveling in a team, we are only 3-5 nautical miles apart. Everyone on the ship has their ICOM long-range radios on 24/7 to monitor and know each other's positions, and stand side by side in times of trouble and danger. That helps us feel more confident and have a solid foundation when going offshore and developing the economy," Mr. Binh shared.

Fisherman Dang Thanh Vinh, Thanh Dat Solidarity Group, Nai Hien Dong Ward, Son Tra District, said: Solidarity is the key factor when working at sea. During long offshore fishing trips, fishermen always face many dangers, such as bad weather, big waves, strong winds, even broken engines and water damage. If they are alone, it is very difficult to handle the situation in the middle of the ocean. But since the group was established, fellow fishermen have a place to support each other and are more confident in each sea trip.

"In addition to supporting each other in exploitation, the team also reminds each other to comply with regulations on combating IUU fishing, especially when fishing vessels are at risk of violating foreign waters, other vessels will immediately warn them," said Mr. Vinh.

Fishermen in the Central region prepare for a trip to sea - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

In Quang Ngai, fisherman Nguyen Van Leo, a fishing boat owner residing in Dinh Tan 2 village, Binh Chau commune, Binh Son district, joined the solidarity group for purse seine production since 2017. His group has 5 fishing boats specializing in purse seine fishing in the Truong Sa sea area. Thanks to mutual support in production, in recent years, the boats in the group have always achieved high profits, with the income of the crew being about 170 million VND/person/year.

"Not only do we support each other in production, on each offshore trip, everyone also reminds each other to comply with the law, especially in combating IUU fishing. Therefore, for many years, no ship in the group has been fined for turning off its journey monitoring equipment or crossing the boundaries of foreign waters," said Mr. Leo.

The Pho Quang purse seine solidarity group in Duc Pho town, Quang Ngai province is a bright spot in the spirit of solidarity and mutual support for development among coastal fishermen. The group currently has 12 vessels specializing in purse seine and gillnet fishing. The group has established a convention: During the fishing process, any vessel that encounters an accident will be towed to shore by the nearest vessel in the group. The costs will be covered by the group's fund.

"In addition, the remaining 10 boats will add up the amount of fish they catch during the time the other two boats are ashore and divide it equally among all 12 boats. Thanks to this, the brothers are more united, and boats in distress will not be completely lost after the trip," said fisherman Ngo Thanh Phong, Head of the Pho Quang purse seine solidarity group.

"Before going out to sea, the ships in our team always check their voyage monitoring equipment, and when returning to port, they submit their fishing logs in accordance with regulations. We believe that compliance with anti-IUU fishing is also a contribution to the country's long-term protection of aquatic resources," Mr. Phong shared.

Forces encourage fishermen to go offshore, stick to the sea, and comply with anti-IUU fishing - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Currently, solidarity groups for production at sea are established based on the same locality, industry, fishing grounds... Thanks to the support and assistance from each other, fishermen in the Central region have boldly ventured out to sea in offshore fishing grounds, with longer trips; and at the same time, actively participated in combating IUU fishing.

Mr. Dang Duy Hai, Deputy Head of the Department of Sea, Islands and Fisheries of Da Nang City, said that the locality has established 94 solidarity groups with 680 participating fishing vessels (85 groups with 575 vessels in the offshore area; 9 groups with 105 vessels in the offshore and coastal areas). The exploitation of seafood in teams has been approved and supported by fishermen, contributing to positive changes in exploitation activities.

Mr. Vo Van Hai, Head of the Department of Fisheries and Seas and Islands of Quang Ngai province, affirmed: The solidarity groups have effectively supported each other in going offshore, contributing to increasing output and income. In particular, the model has also created a positive effect in complying with regulations against IUU fishing.

"In the coming time, Quang Ngai province will continue to coordinate with localities to replicate the solidarity group model. At the same time, we will step up propaganda and organize ship owners and fishermen to sign commitments to comply with regulations in fishing," said Mr. Hai.

Luu Huong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/to-doan-ket-tren-bien-giup-ngu-dan-yen-tam-vuon-khoi-chong-khai-thac-iuu-10225041618115551.htm