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Calloused hands mend each net, preserving the livelihood of Nghe An fishermen

Thanh Phuc • July 15, 2025 08:24

Long associated with the fishing villages of Nghe An, net mending is not only a traditional feature but also an essential part of the fishing logistics service chain. Amidst the decline in fishing output and the increase in input material prices, net mending has increasingly demonstrated its enduring role in maintaining livelihoods, keeping people connected to the sea, and at the same time, creating more value for the coastal and offshore fishing industry.

vàng lưới — After each long voyage, fishing boats arrive at the port carrying torn and frayed nets. Fishermen quickly remove their nets to hand over to repair teams, preparing for the next journey. Photo: TP

Net repairers, mostly women, inspect the damage to the net. The initial assessment determines the time and cost of repair. Photo: TP

ghép 3 — Net mending tools are simple, including plastic needles, small knives, fishing line, pencils, etc., but require dexterity and many years of experience to master each mending step. Photo: TP

vá 1 — Meticulousness and patience are the qualities that make up the "brand" of net menders. Photo: TP

tay 3 — Calloused hands mend each mesh of net torn by rocks, sea trash or large fish, helping to protect fishermen's property after each trip to the sea. Photo: TP

tay lưới — Patching a torn net may seem simple, but if done incorrectly, it can cause a whole fishing trip to fail. Each knot of line is a fulcrum for fishermen to confidently go out to sea. Photo: TP

In localities such as Quynh Phu, Tan Mai… dozens of net mending teams operate on a self-managed basis or receive orders from fishing boat owners. Each team has from 5-20 people, mainly female workers. Photo: TP

phụ giúp — Net-mending has been associated with many generations of fishermen here, both generating income and contributing to maintaining the livelihoods of coastal areas. Photo: TP

tổ 2 — Regardless of age, the net mending profession brings together both young and old people. Every day, a worker has a steady income of 200,000 - 250,000 VND. "I have been doing net mending for more than 20 years, accepting to mend nets for many fishing boat owners. Depending on the request, I can work right at the port, in the workshop or at home. This job has many stages, such as cutting damaged nets, replacing weights, adjusting nets, tightening ropes... This job is not hard, but requires a lot of sitting, so back pain and knee pain are common. Working about 8 hours a day, the income is from 200,000 - 250,000 VND". Photo: TP

lên bở — The nets after patching are carefully checked to ensure quality before being returned to the fishing boat. Some nets are up to 200m long and more than 2,000m² wide, and it takes a whole week to process. Photo: TP

The repaired nets are returned to the fishing boat. This is the final link in the fishing logistics service, helping to save costs and prolong the life of fishing gear. The owner of fishing boat NA90969TS, Mr. Le Hong Nam, said: “My boat is a large-capacity iron boat, specializing in long-term offshore fishing in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa waters. After each trip, checking, repairing and replenishing the net is a mandatory step to prepare for the next trip. Thanks to the net repair teams, we are always assured of the quality of fishing gear. They work very professionally, meet the requirements well, and maneuver the net quickly and accurately, helping the boat not to have its journey interrupted.” Photo: TP

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