The southern central coastal province of Phu Yen doled out more than 44.5 billion VND (2.1 million USD) to boost off-shore fishing in 2013, with 455 vessels receiving assistance to conduct 1,176 fishing expeditions.

The assistance came in the form of fuel subsidies and insurance for boats and fishermen. In addition, the vessels were installed with communication and Global Positioning System equipment.

Local fishermen also built and upgraded 425 ships for off-shore fishing thanks to the financial support of the provincial government.

Over the past three years, total financial support from the province’s budget to fishermen has amounted to 108 billion VND.

Phu Yen authorities are considering another 9.5 billion VND aid package to fishermen in 2014.

The province is the cradle of oceanic tuna fishing in Vietnam.-VNA