Economy

Warning of dangers when using electric pulses to catch fish during the rainy season

Van Truong • July 26, 2025 17:08

During the days of prolonged heavy rain in Nghe An, the situation of people using electric pulses to catch fish in rice fields and canals is common, posing many potential risks to the environment and human life.

Clip: Van Truong

van truong 2 — During these rainy and flooded days, people in Yen Thanh commune go down to the N8 canal to catch fish using electric shock. Photo: Van Truong

According to records at N8 canal, Yen Thanh commune, during the rainy season, many people use electric shock to catch fish. They even use electric shock at night. Mr. Tran Van T., a local resident, said: "During the rainy season, my family often uses a homemade electric shock device from a battery to catch fish, both for food and to sell for extra income." Not only in Yen Thanh commune, in Hop Minh and Quan Thanh communes (old Yen Thanh district), the situation of people using electric shock to catch fish also happens every day.

van truong 4 — On the Dao River in Yen Thanh commune, at night, many people catch fish using electric shock. Photo: Van Truong

According to research, the electric generators are sold quite commonly for only about 2 million VND. People can easily buy batteries, wires and electric generators to make their own or use immediately. When the generator is activated, all living things within a radius of 2-3m are destroyed, causing serious damage to the freshwater ecosystem.

van truong met — A fisherman uses electric shock in Quan Thanh commune. Photo: Van Truong

On average, users can harvest nearly ten kilograms of seafood every day. However, the benefits do not outweigh the harm, because electric shock devices not only destroy aquatic resources but are also extremely dangerous to life. In 2024, there was a death in Quan Thanh commune due to using electricity to catch fish.

van truong 3 — Fish are caught by people using electric shock in Quan Thanh commune. Photo: Van Truong

Faced with the above situation, local authorities need to strengthen coordination with departments and branches to propagate and mobilize people to abandon this dangerous fishing method, in order to protect aquatic resources and ensure people's safety during the rainy season.

Van Truong