The effectiveness of the model of linking fishing vessels at sea.
(Baonghean)By supporting each other in production, product consumption, and search and rescue operations, fishermen in Tien Thuy commune, Quynh Luu district, have actively linked their boats into fishing teams, achieving considerable success.
We visited the family of Mr. Bui Quang Luyen in Thanh Tien village, Tien Thuy commune, Quynh Luu district – the owner of fishing boat NA93684 – while they were preparing for their next fishing trip. We learned that seafaring is a family tradition passed down through generations. Previously, due to a lack of capital, his family only owned a small boat, fishing near the shore with low income. Since being encouraged by the Fisheries Association, his family invested in a larger boat with a 400CV engine, and along with 14 other crew members, they actively venture out to sea. Each trip brings in about 150 million VND, and after deducting other expenses, they still make a profit of about 100 million VND. The average income of each crew member is also 3 million VND. Since participating in the cooperative model of fishing boats operating at sea, the income of his boat has become increasingly stable, and the crew members feel more secure in their work at sea.
Currently, in Tien Thuy commune, there are 13 fleets/352 boats and ships operating under a cooperative model for offshore fishing. Previously, before the establishment of this cooperative model, fishermen's catch often had to be preserved with ice and salt, which compromised quality and made it difficult to sell. Since the "cooperative fishing" initiative by the commune's Fisheries Association, which involves forming groups of 3 to 5 boats, including fishing vessels and support vessels, each fishing trip lasts from 1-3 days during the southern fishing season and 5-7 days during the winter season. Fishermen can now fish with peace of mind, without worrying about transporting their catch ashore. The most obvious benefit of this model is the reduction in transportation costs for the boats, the increase in catch volume, and the more stable income for the workers. In the first four months of the year, the total seafood catch of the commune reached over 4,000 tons, with a total value of more than 17 billion VND, achieving 24% of the plan. Mr. Nguyen Van Ke - Chairman of the Fisheries Association of Tien Thuy commune, Quynh Luu district, said: "Through the operation of the cooperative, we can clearly see the advantages of the boat owners linking together, creating favorable conditions for seafood exploitation, fishing grounds, weather information, and updating information from the sea to shore, thereby improving maritime security."
The effectiveness of the model is clear; however, some difficulties remain, especially regarding capital. Some fishing teams lack investment capital, preventing them from repairing and upgrading their boats, investing in new fishing methods, purchasing equipment, or venturing out to sea to explore new fishing grounds. Furthermore, obtaining preferential loans for production recovery or development in the locality remains challenging.
Thanh Toàn (Quỳnh Lưu Radio Station)
