Khanh Hoa (VNA) – Offshore fishing trips conducted during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday have brought encouraging results for tuna fishermen in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, reinforcing fishermen’s confidence to continue venturing offshore while complying with regulations aimed at removing the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning.
At Hon Ro and Dong Hai fishing ports, seafood unloading has been bustling since early morning as vessels returned from long voyages with holds full of fresh catches, signalling a positive start to the new fishing year.
Early-year catches bring optimism
According to the Hon Ro Fishing Port Management Board, average catches in early 2026 reached between 2.5 and over 3 tonnes of ocean tuna per vessel, with some boats achieving higher yields. Purchase prices ranged from 110,000–112,000 VND per kilogram depending on quality, while stable demand allowed fishermen to sell their products immediately upon docking.
Tran Hoang, captain of a large tuna fishing vessel in Nam Nha Trang ward, said favourable weather helped ensure good catches and proper preservation, providing stable income for crew members and encouraging continued offshore operations.
Calm seas after Tet have accelerated harvesting and transportation compared to previous years. Many vessels have increased trips while owners repair equipment and prepare for the peak pelagic fishing season ahead.
Dong Hai Fishing Port has remained lively from dawn as tuna, squid, mackerel and other seafood are quickly sorted and transported to markets. Fishermen said early-year voyages are considered a lucky start, motivating crews to maximise fishing opportunities while preparing supplies for upcoming trips.
Vo Van Phich, owner of vessel PY31031TS, reported a profit of about 15 million VND after expenses from a recent trip catching squid, tuna and anchovies. At My Tan Fishing Port, dozens of vessels dock daily, with purchasing facilities operating at full capacity to supply regional markets.
Stable seafood prices and favourable weather conditions have strengthened fishermen’s confidence to maintain offshore operations.
Strengthening anti-IUU fishing regulation compliance
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, seafood output in early 2026 has shown positive signs, contributing to improved incomes. Authorities have enhanced fishing ground forecasts, weather updates and safety training for fishermen.
Khanh Hoa has more than 600 offshore tuna vessels forming a value chain from harvesting to export, with annual output reaching tens of thousands of tonnes. Measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing have been tightened, including mandatory vessel monitoring systems for boats 15 metres or longer, strict catch verification and traceability checks.
Nguyen Trong Chanh, Deputy Director of the department, said the province has strictly implemented national directives on IUU fishing prevention, reviewing fleet management and ensuring full installation of monitoring equipment.
Key tasks ahead include enforcing vessel identification rules, synchronising fishing vessel data with national databases and strictly handling non-compliant vessels. Authorities are also strengthening port inspections, offshore monitoring and electronic traceability systems while preventing illegal landings outside regulated ports.
The steady flow of vessels heading offshore and returning with abundant catches reflects the vibrant pace of coastal life in Khanh Hoa at the start of spring, raising expectations for a productive fishing season in the year ahead./.
