Illustrative image by FIS

Confusion Over Size Limit Hurts Vietnamese Skipjack Tuna Fishermen

VIET NAM
Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Fishermen Request Review of Regulation on Catching Skipjack Tuna Smaller Than 500 mm

Fishermen across Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, and other coastal provinces are facing significant economic losses and confusion after businesses halted the purchase of skipjack tuna under 50 cm in length, reports Baodautu.

Recently, over 50 boat owners from Quang Ngai and 20 from Binh Dinh signed a petition addressed to authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, seeking relief from the regulation that restricts the capture of skipjack tuna smaller than 500 mm. This rule, outlined in Appendix V of Decree 37/2024/ND-CP, has been in effect since May 19, 2024.

According to the fishermen, this regulation has led domestic tuna processing and exporting companies to stop purchasing skipjack tuna under 50 cm, coinciding with the peak fishing season, which has caused severe financial hardships.

“When we invested in our boats, we had to mortgage our assets. Now, with the skipjack tuna season here, we’re unable to fish because the companies have stopped buying,” the petition from 20 boat owners in Binh Dinh stated.

Fishermen argue that skipjack tuna are migratory fish, traveling with ocean currents, and rarely grow beyond 50 cm. In their experience, only about 2-3% of skipjack tuna meet this size requirement during each fishing trip.

The suspension of purchases has deeply affected the fishermen’s livelihood. Each boat typically supports 14-16 crew members, and each crew member supports a household.

Photo: Thu Dieu/FIS

Quang Ngai ship owners further explained that fishermen from 12 coastal provinces are facing similar challenges, leaving them unsure of what to do with their catch or how to cover operational expenses.

In Quang Ngai province alone, more than 355 fishing vessels are registered for light purse seine fishing, most of which target skipjack tuna. From early 2023 to mid-2024, each vessel has been catching approximately 20-30 tons per month, with operating costs amounting to 250-300 million VND (around $10,200-$12,200 USD) per month.

“These costs are unsustainable under the current regulation. The prohibition on catching skipjack tuna under 50 cm is leading to massive financial losses for the 12 provinces with significant skipjack tuna fishing operations,” boat owners explained.

Photo: courtesy Thu Dieu

For many fishermen, marine fishing is the primary source of income. If the size restrictions continue to prevent them from earning a living, it could lead to dire consequences for their communities.

The petition calls on government leaders to reconsider the size limit regulation and remove it from Decree 37, allowing fishermen to resume their work without further economic damage and to continue protecting the nation's maritime sovereignty.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print