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According to VOV, the Sub-Department of Fisheries and Seas and Islands of Dak Lak Province reported that during the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year holiday, the eastern area of the province had more than 200 medium-capacity fishing vessels (from 90 to under 400 CV) with over 1,000 crew members operating in the Truong Sa fishing grounds and the southern waters of the East Sea. Nearly 80% of these vessels specialize in offshore tuna fishing.

On the morning of the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Truong Kim Tuyen, a fisherman from Hoa Hiep Ward, Dak Lak Province (formerly Dong Hoa Town, Phu Yen Province), together with five crew members, prepared incense, flowers and fruit to perform a sea worship ceremony before embarking on the first voyage of the year. With a vessel of under 400 CV, he expects the trip to last between 22 and 25 days.

Tuyen shared: “At the beginning of the year, I hope everyone setting sail will have smooth and successful journeys. May every boat be fortunate and return with holds full of fish and shrimp. When we come back, our families - our wives and children - will be happy because of the income from the first fishing trip of the year.”

Ngo Van Tinh, a fisherman in Hoa Hiep Ward, Dak Lak Province, performed the traditional sea worship ritual before setting sail at the start of the Binh Ngo New Year. (Photo: VOV)

Ngo Van Tinh, a fisherman in Hoa Hiep Ward, Dak Lak Province, also performed the traditional sea worship ritual before setting sail at the start of the Binh Ngo New Year. The owner of a 320 CV fishing vessel, he likewise departed during the holiday. He noted that the first lunar month is the time when tuna are abundant in the Truong Sa waters and the southern sea areas; if they encounter the right shoals, the post-Tet voyage could yield a substantial catch.

“Every Lunar New Year, I head offshore and remain at sea, both to fish and to contribute to safeguarding national sovereignty over our seas and islands. Fishing during the Tet days, I always hope to find large schools of fish and earn additional income to support my family,” Tinh said.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN), in Thanh Hoa, the atmosphere of work at the beginning of the year has also been bustling at fishing ports. As early as the second and third days of Tet, many vessels docked with shrimp, fish, squid and crabs. Fisherman Pham Van Toan, owner of vessel TH 2347 in Hai Binh Ward, Thanh Hoa, said his recent trip brought in earnings of more than VND 1.5 million. It is considered a lucky sign at the start of the year, heralding smooth and favorable voyages ahead.

Residents of Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa, collect fish from nets freshly hauled in from the sea. (Photo: VNA)

In Sa Huynh Ward (Quang Ngai), the Binh Ngo Spring Fishing Launching Ceremony was solemnly held on the morning of the third day of Tet. The resounding drumbeats and traditional folk songs, including ho ba trao chants, inspired fishermen to venture offshore. The traditional festival not only conveys hopes for favorable weather but also encourages local fishermen to fish efficiently, protect the marine environment and maintain sustainable fisheries.

Meanwhile, at Tam Quan Fishing Port (Gia Lai), more than 800 fishing vessels, mainly engaged in offshore tuna fishing, were busy preparing for long voyages. The port maintains round-the-clock staffing to assist vessels with docking and unloading seafood, ensuring smooth operations from the very beginning of the year.

Alongside the enthusiastic departures is the strict requirement to comply with regulations against IUU fishing. In localities, Border Guard forces coordinate with the fisheries sector and local authorities to disseminate regulations and thoroughly brief vessel owners and captains before departure.

Fishing vessels are required to keep their vessel monitoring systems operational 24/7, fully report their operating positions, maintain detailed fishing logs, operate strictly within permitted waters, and absolutely refrain from illegally encroaching on foreign waters. Competent authorities regularly monitor vessel activities through the surveillance system, promptly handle violations, and commend collectives and individuals who strictly comply with regulations.

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