Quynh Lap fishing boats had to sell their seafood at other ports due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in Quynh Lap commune, fishermen had to dock at ports in other localities to sell their seafood. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Quynh Lap Commune,Hoang Mai townThis locality has the largest number of large fishing vessels in the province, with 145 vessels having a capacity of 250 horsepower or more. Therefore, the fishing industry has created jobs for a large portion of the local population. In addition to labor in fishing at sea, there is also a workforce involved in purchasing and processing seafood right on the spot.

Therefore, since the first positive case was detected.Covid-19 pandemicSince May 6th, the fishing industry in Quynh Lap has faced many difficulties. Mr. Phan Van Hai, Chairman of the Quynh Lap Fisheries Association, said that at the time the authorities confirmed a positive Covid-19 case in the commune, up to 80% of the population tested positive.boatsIn the commune, people are currently fishing offshore.

To ensure disease safety, following the directives of the local authorities, fishing vessels currently at sea during the outbreak are not allowed to return to Quynh Lap fishing port, but must dock at fishing ports in other localities to sell their products.

"Most of the fishing boats from Quynh Lap during this pandemic period docked at Lach Quen fishing port (Quynh Luu) to sell seafood, then refuel, resupply with food... and then went back out to sea," Mr. Phan Van Hai added.

For the boats currently anchored in Quynh Lap commune, they are absolutely prohibited from going out to sea to fish until the Covid-19 pandemic is over in the commune. Photo: Xuan Hoang

For the fishing vessels currently anchored at Quynh Lap Fishing Port, they are not allowed to go out to sea for the time being, and fishermen are strictly prohibited from leaving the commune. The return of fishing vessels currently at sea also requires monitoring of disease prevention and control measures.

Another difficulty is that frozen seafood products in the commune are not selling well. Mr. Le Hoi Hung, owner of the warehouse system.freezingLocals in Quynh Lap commune report that there are approximately 100 tons of frozen seafood that have yet to be sold. The COVID-19 pandemic in the commune has prevented goods from being sold, leading to a surplus. Therefore, if the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Quynh Lap commune, it will significantly impact the economy of the coastal residents.

"The biggest concern is that there are about 7 tons of freshly ground fishmeal, scheduled for sale to animal feed processing units on May 7th, but due to the 'no entry or exit' restrictions in the affected area, it's sitting idle and at high risk of spoilage," Mr. Le Hoi Hung worried.

With the local economy playing a leading role, in addition to the strong determination of all levels of government in controlling the epidemic, above all, all residents here need to strictly implement epidemic prevention measures to quickly control the epidemic and return to normal activities, especially the fishing and seafood processing industries.