Nghe An's largest fishing port is bustling in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).
Xuan Hoang•January 24, 2025 14:45
The fishermen's final fishing trip of the year has brought a bustling scene of seafood trading to Nghe An's largest fishing port. Fishermen say that although this trip yielded a high catch, the profit margin was low.
Clip: Xuan HoangSince early this morning, January 24th (the 15th day of the 12th lunar month), fishing boats from Quynh Luu district have returned after many days of fishing, making Lach Quen fishing port, the largest fishing port in Nghe An province, busier and more bustling than ever. Photo: Xuan HoangAccording to local fishermen, the sea has been calm in recent days, making fishing easier, and most boats have brought back a large catch. Photo: Xuan HoangMr. Tran Ho Suu, owner of the fishing vessel NA 96686 TS in Phu Nghia commune (Quynh Luu district), said that on his last fishing trip of the lunar year, his boat caught 30 tons of anchovies, selling them at 10,000 VND/kg, earning 300 million VND. While profitable, the profit wasn't substantial. In the photo, trays of fish are being hoisted from the ship's hold for transport ashore. Photo: Xuan HoangAs it was the last fishing trip of the year, everything at the fishing port was moving quickly. Fishermen all longed to be reunited with their families after a year at sea. Photo: Xuan HoangFor fisherman Nguyen Duc Ha, owner of fishing boat NA 90291 TS, this trip yielded 10 tons of scad and 300 kg of grouper, bringing in 150 million VND. However, because the fishing trip lasted only 4 days, after deducting expenses, there was still a profit. Photo: Xuan HoangFishermen say that, typically towards the end of the year, fishing boat owners only go out to sea for about 5-7 days before quickly returning to port to unload their catch. Afterward, they safely anchor their boats, pack up their fishing gear, and prepare for the Tet holiday. (Photo: Xuan Hoang)The fishermen were delighted with this trip because as soon as the boat docked, traders from all over were waiting to receive the goods and take them away for sale early. This is a motivation for the fishermen to continue going out to sea right after celebrating the Lunar New Year. Photo: Xuan HoangBesides the main catch of scad, only a few fishing boats manage to catch a small amount of squid. Because it's boiled right on the boat after being caught at sea, this type of boiled squid still sells for a good price, at 130,000 VND/kg. Photo: Xuan HoangAccording to the Lach Quen Fishing Port Management Board, fishing boats from Quynh Luu district began returning home for Tet (Lunar New Year) starting from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month. It is expected that within the next two days, all nearly 80 registered fishing boats will have returned to the port for the Tet holiday. Based on observations, although the catch was higher on this last fishing trip of the year, fishermen earned low profits, mainly due to the large catches of scad and other small fish. (Photo: Xuan Hoang)With the Lunar New Year approaching, Lach Quen Fishing Port has arranged safe mooring areas and provided convenient support for fishermen to load and unload goods, as well as preparing vessels for the new year. Accordingly, the Lach Quen Fishing Port Management Board continues to monitor and encourage fishermen to fish in the correct areas and routes, maintaining the connection of vessel tracking devices as required. Photo: Xuan Hoang
