Khanh Hoa’s tuna fishermen net high profits

Tuna-fishing boats in the central province of Khanh Hoa are busy with the ongoing season, as a vessel can earn nearly 100 million VND (4,300 USD) per trip, Dan Viet online newspaper reports.

On average, a boat using a net can harvest from 5 to 10 tonnes of tuna per trip.

High and stable prices, as well as favourable weather, are the main reasons for an expected bumper tuna season, according to a local fisherman.

The main fishing ground is the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands and DK1 rigs (about 250-350 nautical miles from the mainland).

Tuna boats using nets are different from ocean fishing vessels.

Vo Khac En, deputy director of Khanh Hoa province’s Fisheries Sub-department, said that there are 170 tuna-fishing boats operating regularly in the area.

Unlike ocean tuna-fishing ships, those using nets can be used all year and achieve a stable output.

According to En, at present, the average cost for a 15-day tuna-fishing trip is about 100 million VND per boat.

A boat can harvest several tonnes to more than 10 tonnes of tuna per trip. After deducting all expenses, it has an average profit of up to 100 million VND.

At Hon Ro fishing port, Phuoc Dong commune, Nha Trang city, boats full of fish are constantly docking after successful fishing trips.

The Management Board of Hon Ro Fishing Port reported there have been about 100 tuna fishing boats docking at the port over the last 10 days. There are 5-7 boats docking at the port per day, with an average output of 5 to 10 tonnes each.

According to fishermen, the current tuna price and purchasing market is stable. The wholesale price ranges from 30,000-40,000 VND per kilogram. Price of Grade #1 tuna can reach up to 50,000 VND per kilogram.

Fisherman Tran Van Nuoi, captain of a fishing boat in Huong Xuan ward, Nha Trang city, said the current weather is very favourable for tuna-fishing.

Familiar fishing grounds have abundant sources of tuna. Therefore, the tuna-fishing trips last from 10 to 15 days.

“My boat harvested five tonnes of tuna on the last trip. After deducting expenses, I gained profit of 50-60 million VND," said Nuoi.

Another fisherman, Tran Van Tuan, in Hon Ro, Phuoc Dong commune, said on the last trip he caught about eight tonnes of tuna, earning more than 100 million VND after deducting all expenses.

Tuan said: “Previously, tuna-fishing trips lasted longer than 15 days, with output of 10 to 20 tonnes.”

“But, due to the boats’ poor storage equipment, the tuna was damaged, so the low quality meant low prices.”

Recently, each trip lasted just 7 to 12 days. Although the output was lower, the quality of well-preserved fish means they can be sold at a higher price, Tuan said.

“Previously, fishing boats landed at the same time, regularly from the 7th to the 15th lunar calendar. But, recently, fishermen told each other to dock throughout the month, so output is not overloaded, and prices are better,” a representative of the Hon Ro Fishing Port’s Management Board said./.

VNA