The dangers of fishing with electric shock devices.
(Baonghean.vn) - Using electric shock devices to catch fish not only destroys aquatic life but also poses a deadly risk to people. Despite being strictly prohibited, the use of this method remains widespread in many localities.
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| While visiting a rice field in Quynh Vinh commune (Hoang Mai town), we discovered many people using electric shock devices to catch fish. For just 500,000 - 700,000 VND, people can own this fishing equipment. Photo: Tan Bao |
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| To catch fish, the locals have devised a very simple electric fishing device. It consists of a 12V battery connected to a voltage converter that increases the voltage to 220V; two bamboo poles, 2-3 meters long, one with a pointed steel rod connected to the positive terminal with a switch, and the other with an iron net connected to the negative terminal. (Photo: Tan Bao) |
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| Nguyen Van H., from Quynh My commune (Quynh Luu district), demonstrated the fishing technique and explained that when the two fishing rods are lowered into the water and the switch is turned on, an electric shock occurs, electrocuting or permanently injuring fish within a radius of 1.5-2 meters. (Photo: Tan Bao) |
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| Although this electric fishing device can discharge electricity when the rod is placed in the water, those using it do not wear protective gear; some even go barefoot to fish. Photo: Tan Bao |
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| Not only do some people in Quynh Hau commune (Quynh Luu district) use homemade batteries, but they are even more daring by using 220V mains electricity directly to catch fish. The device is also very simple to make; people utilize hundreds of meters of telecommunication cable as electrical wires, connecting one end to a fan and the other to a household electrical outlet. Wherever they go by river, they ask to use the electricity from nearby households for convenient fishing. With this method, people can catch dozens of kilograms of various types of fish each time. (Photo: Tan Bao) |
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| The fish caught using electric shock. Photo: Tan Bao |
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| With compact electric fishing devices, people in localities throughout Nghe An province can freely fish anywhere without being detected or penalized by authorities. If caught, those who fish using electricity face administrative fines of up to 2 million VND and confiscation of their equipment. More dangerously, there have been numerous cases of fatal electric shocks. Photo: Tan Bao |
