Herring season brings millions of dong to fishermen in Nghe An.
These days, along the coastal communes of Nghe An province, the fishing atmosphere is bustling as herring appear in abundance right from the beginning of the season. High yields and stable prices help each fishing trip bring in millions of dong in income, further motivating fishermen to stay at sea to make a living, even though fuel costs remain a constant worry.
Visiting coastal communes like Hai Chau, Hai Loc, Quynh Phu, or the Cua Lo beach area, you'll easily spot boats bustling in and out of the harbor. Each fishing trip brings back boats laden with herring, yielding from several tens to hundreds of kilograms, providing a stable income for the local people.
In Hai Chau commune, as the first rays of sunlight begin to cover the beach, the lively calls of fishermen resound. Small boats dock one after another after their early morning fishing trips. On shore, the atmosphere becomes bustling as nets full of herring are quickly pulled ashore, sorted, and weighed for sale on the spot.
The fresh herring, glistening silver in the early morning sun, herring herring signal a bountiful fishing season. Although it's only the beginning of the season, this year's catch is considered quite abundant. Many families have been able to earn between 1 and 2 million dong after each fishing trip, or even more on particularly successful days.
Fisherman Pham Ba Hieu from Hai Chau commune said that compared to previous years, herring appeared earlier and in greater quantities this year. “At the beginning of the season, the fish were abundant; every trip yielded a catch. The current price ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 VND/kg, depending on size. Thanks to the good yield, the fishermen have a more stable income than in previous years,” Hieu shared.
According to the experience of local fishermen, herring usually live in nearshore waters, making it convenient for small boats to catch them using the inshore fishing method.
The fishing season typically lasts from around January to August in the lunar calendar. However, it's noteworthy that this year, right after Tet (Lunar New Year), fish appeared in large schools, allowing fishermen to reap a bountiful harvest from the sea very early on.
To get a bountiful catch, fishermen have to start their voyages at 2-3 a.m. On some days when the yield is low, many have to work until noon before returning home. However, when the fish come in in abundance, all the hard work seems to be well worth it.
Fisherman Dinh Tuan, from Hai Chau commune, while nimbly unloading fish, shared: “My wife and I are used to the rhythm of going out to sea early in the morning, leaving before dawn and returning when the sun is high in the sky. Each trip lasts 4-5 hours. This trip yielded over 200 kg of herring, and after deducting expenses, we still have over 1 million dong left. On days when we have a really good catch, the income is even higher.”
Mr. Tuan also added that rising fuel prices are somewhat affecting the cost of each fishing trip. "The price of fuel is higher than before, so each trip costs a few hundred thousand dong more. If there are few fish on a given day, it's like the work is for nothing, but this year there are many fish, so we still make a profit, and the fishermen can still feel secure in continuing their work at sea," he said.
After the Lunar New Year, the demand for fresh seafood increases significantly, with herring being particularly popular due to its delicious taste and ease of preparation. As a result, procurement is smooth. Right on the beach, traders are waiting to collect the catch and transport it for sale in many provinces and cities such as Vinh City (formerly), Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City…
Currently, fishermen in the coastal areas of Nghe An province are still focusing on inshore fishing, which has low costs and a fast turnaround time. Compared to previous years, the herring yield at the beginning of this season is higher, the selling price is stable, and the market is favorable, bringing positive economic results.
The joy of a bountiful harvest not only helps fishermen improve their income but also instills confidence in them, allowing them to continue fishing with peace of mind.
The boats returning each morning laden with fish are not only the fruits of their labor but also a hopeful sign of a bountiful fishing season, contributing to improving the lives of people in coastal areas.
