President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan on June 10 asked the Vietnam Fisheries Society to engage more in protecting the legitimate rights of fishermen and businesses in the field.

He also told them to propose more suitable policies regarding aquaculture, offshore fishing, disaster prevention, and sea sovereignty safeguarding.

At the working session in Hanoi, the official spoke highly of the organisation’s cooperation with authorised agencies in boosting aquatic production and ensuring social welfare, helping realise the sustainable fisheries development target and improve people’s living standards.

Nhan said he will submit proposals to the Government so that assistance will soon be given to help 220 insular and coastal communes escape from poverty.

Over the past years, the society has performed well by suggesting measures to address difficulties for tra fish and shrimp farming and selling, along with draft amendments to the Constitution, the Land Law, and regulations relating to the legitimate rights of fishermen and farmers.

It has also issued a statement protesting China’s illegal placement of the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s waters and presented solutions ensuring safe fishing in the East Sea.

At the function, the organisation put forward the State’s support covering 70 percent of insurance for vessels and 100 percent for fishermen’s health when working offshore or in the waters of Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Hoang Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.

It also asked for appropriate assistance to those who rescue and protect fishermen at sea.

Participants expressed their hope that the Government will modernise offshore fishing vessels, upgrade important fishing ports in the central region, and rearrange fish markets and logistics services on key islands.-VNA