(vasep.com.vn) For the first time, tuna was purchased at VND 110,000/ kilogram, increasing more than VND 20,000/kilogram month on month.
Price rise is a good news for fishermen. Amount of tuna caught, however, was found to be the lowest ever.
In 4 days, Hon Ro Nha Trang fishing port received more than 50 tuna fishing vessels, up 10% year on year. The number of ships was impressive but fish production declined sharply. Eighty percent of vessels caught 5 to 7 tunas, this might be worse at 2 tunas.
Revenue for each each fishing trip was VND 40 million. Meanwhile, the operating cost was VND 120-150 million. This means a big loss.
"My team own 5 vessels, with 2-20 tuna caught each vessel, 3 vessels generate loss, the other two make breakeven", said Mr. Tran Van Tai – a ship owner.
Mr. Tran Van Cu fortunately harvested more than 20 fish tunas in his vessel. Thanks to the price gain, he did not suffer from capital loss.
The fishing trip needs initial investments. Some people use their own money, others have to borrow. Debt is paid after the trip. Therefore, no fish means no money to pay debt. Even if it is a success, money should be paid back for lenders, which lower the profit.
“Tuna stock seems to be less this month. The more it is caught, the less the stock is. Then we have to go further and further, and even have to cross the border.”, said Mr. Tran Van Tai.
The number of tuna vessels coming to Hon Ro port is increasing annually. This shows that tuna capture is thriving, attracting new comers to involve. The matter is that the fish stock will decrease if there is no plan to control this heating development. Fishermen themselves will be sufferers.
It is noted that authorities have allowed fishermen to have preference loans to order new vessels or upgrade existing ones.