Fishermen in Quynh Luu bravely cling to the sea.

(Baonghean)Present in Quynh Luu, one of the key fishing areas of Nghe An province, many fishermen said that although they have not yet ventured to the Hoang Sa fishing grounds (fishermen from our province only fish from latitude 15.50 to 200 degrees north), everyone expressed their indignation and protest against the arrogant, unethical, and lawless actions of the Chinese side.

Fishermen in Quynh Long prepare ice for their long voyages at sea.

Having just returned from a fishing trip, the crew of the NA-94278 boat from Minh Son hamlet, Tien Thuy commune, reported:

Information regarding China's deployment of the HD 981 oil rig into Vietnam's continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, as well as the response of Vietnamese law enforcement agencies after the operation, has been closely monitored by fishermen. However, the way for fishermen to protect their maritime sovereignty remains to actively stay at sea. For example, fisherman To Duy Linh from Duc Xuan village, Tien Thuy commune, although somewhat worried, instead of discussing it, he and his crew quickly cleaned their boats after each trip and prepared essential supplies, ice, and fresh water for the upcoming voyage. He said that in previous months, each trip lasted 7 days, but now, due to the complicated situation in the East Sea, this month they only rest for 5 days and must take advantage of the opportunity to go out to sea to fish and improve their income.

It can be said that Tien Thuy is one of the oldest fishing villages in Quynh Luu district, with the lives of its people mainly depending on the sea. Over the years, along with improved living standards, people have boldly invested in and upgraded their fishing vessels to operate on larger scales, venturing further out to sea and for longer periods. Mr. Nguyen Van Ke, Chairman of the Tien Thuy Commune Fisheries Association, stated that the commune has 331 boats with a total capacity of nearly 60,000 horsepower, making it one of the communes with the largest number of fishing vessels in Quynh Luu. Besides the task of exploitation, generating income, and developing the economy, offshore fishing contributes to protecting national sovereignty at sea. The resolute and skillful actions of the coast guard, as well as the handling of issues by the Party and State, have somewhat reassured fishermen, encouraging them to continue going out to sea and fishing.

Along with Tien Thuy, Quynh Long is one of the key fishing communes in Quynh Luu district. Speaking with us, Mr. Tran Quang Ve, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: "Given the complex developments surrounding the oil rig placement in the East Sea, we regularly broadcast information on the public address system to ensure that fishermen are fully informed of the situation. When encountering foreign vessels, especially Chinese vessels, it is necessary to act in accordance with the Party and State's stance, avoid provocative clashes, and report promptly to the authorities. We encourage fishermen to stay at sea and control their own fishing grounds, but when fishing in the common fishing grounds of the Gulf of Tonkin, they must comply with the Fisheries Agreement between the two governments."

Mr. Ve also added that although fishermen in Quynh Luu in general and Quynh Long in particular have not yet reached the fishing grounds where China has placed its oil rig, the local authorities have not lowered their guard. While awaiting guidance from higher levels, according to the plan, the commune has coordinated with the Border Guard Post to regularly meet with and encourage fishermen to go out to sea. For offshore fishing vessels, dozens of groups have been formed, each group consisting of 5-7 boats, following the model of militia squads and platoons to prevent risks and support each other in case of collisions at sea.

In fact, over the past two years, despite financial difficulties, fishermen in Quynh Long have built dozens of new, large-capacity fishing vessels. Of the total 200 vessels, one has a 750 horsepower engine, dozens have 500-550 horsepower engines, and nearly 80 vessels with 300-400 horsepower engines regularly operate at sea. During his lunar break and preparing for a new fishing trip, Mr. Bui Van An from Phu Thanh hamlet said: "Before, when our fishermen's boats went offshore and occasionally entered the common fishing grounds, they were subjected to very strict inspections by Chinese vessels, even being chased away with water cannons." According to him, with the current developments at sea following the oil rig incident, fishermen fishing offshore, especially in inland waters like the Hoang Sa fishing grounds, will have to be more determined and vigilant.

Currently, the Provincial Fisheries Resource Protection Sub-Department and the Fisheries Inspection Team in Nghe An have conducted outreach trips to guide and encourage fishermen in the coastal districts of Quynh Luu, Dien Chau, and Cua Lo to stay at sea for fishing. To ensure safety when fishing far offshore, fishermen should form cooperatives or associations to support each other; they should not be overly worried or afraid of collisions with foreign vessels, as this could affect their livelihoods and income.

Mr. Tran Huu Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Chairman of the Nghe An Fisheries Association, stated: Fishermen in Nghe An, as well as throughout the country, strongly oppose and condemn China's disregard for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, they must act cautiously and prudently. While continuing to stand with the Government in protesting and demanding that China withdraw its oil rig from Vietnamese waters, fishermen must continue to go out to sea and maintain their presence. In the event of any conflict at sea involving foreign elements, they must act appropriately and in accordance with the rules of the East Sea, as outlined in the annual training provided by the industry and the Association to boat owners and crew members. This is an effective way for people to demonstrate their patriotism and contribute to the enforcement and protection of national sovereignty at sea.

Nguyen Hai