Fishermen stick to the sea to get rich, protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland

Hoai Nhon Dong Ward was established on the basis of merging Hoai Huong Ward, Hoai Hai Commune and Hoai My Commune of Hoai Nhon Town (old). During the resistance war, Hoai Hai Commune (old) played a strategic role when it connected with Lo Dieu lagoon, where weapons from unnumbered ships were gathered, and at the same time, it supplied salt and fish sauce to the battlefield.

After reunification, people continued to promote their resilient spirit, clinging to the sea to stabilize their lives and build their homeland.

Some mausoleums in Hoai Nhon Dong ward have been recognized as cultural relics, becoming a source of pride for fishermen. **Photo: NN**

Hoai Huong Ward (old) used to have up to 800 fishing boats. Fishermen boldly invested in large capacity boats, long-term fishing, helping the poor fishing village quickly change with a series of spacious houses springing up close together, bustling markets and strong development of fishing gear business services. Many poor households have risen to become rich, becoming "sea billionaires".

According to statistics from the Economic , Infrastructure and Urban Department of Hoai Nhon Dong Ward, the ward currently has 675 fishing boats qualified for exploitation, of which 587 are 15 meters or longer, 100% of which have installed journey monitoring equipment.

In addition, there are 70 vessels operating in offshore and coastal areas, along with 81 small vessels under 6 m managed by the locality. In September 2025 alone, the output of exploited aquatic products reached 4,400 tons; the cumulative output from the beginning of the year to date has reached more than 33,000 tons, equal to 89.5% of the plan, including 670 tons of ocean tuna.

Mr. Hoang and Mrs. Phuong actively manage the fleet and constantly support young fishing couples. **Photo: NN**

In the fishing community, the couple Mr. Tran Ngoc Hoang and Mrs. Do Thi Phuong (in Ca Cong quarter) are typical examples of the spirit of sticking to the sea to get rich. Starting with a small boat, after 25 years of attachment, they now own 7 offshore boats. The boats regularly stick to the Truong Sa fishing grounds, effectively exploiting purse seine, tuna and squid fishing.

Ms. Phuong is in charge of logistics and product sales, while Mr. Hoang directly commands at sea. Thanks to good coordination, reputation and solid skills, their fleet brings in high profits every year.

In 2017, revenue reached 11 billion VND, profit over 1 billion VND; now the figure has exceeded 15 billion VND, profit nearly 2 billion VND. In addition to taking care of the family, raising 3 children to study, the couple also supports capital, creating conditions for many other households to stick to the sea, stabilizing their lives.

Fisherman Vo Van Tanh (Thanh Xuan quarter), owner of light purse seine boat BD 97654-TS, is currently the leader of the Solidarity Group, with 12 offshore fishing boats specializing in operating in the Truong Sa fishing grounds.

Mr. Tanh shared: “Every time I go out to sea, thanks to the companions in the team, I always feel warm and secure. If there is an accident, I just need to report and a ship will come to support immediately. The brothers often exchange information about the fishing situation, boat activities or crew. The most valuable thing is when someone discovers a fish school, they immediately report to the whole team so that everyone can have a share.”

Not only that, the members also help each other repair machines and lend spare parts when they break down at sea. Mr. Tanh said that many times the group's boats were chased away by Chinese ships, but the members still encouraged each other to persevere at sea. "We fish in the Fatherland's waters, there is no reason to leave," said Mr. Tanh.

According to the Farmers' Association of Hoai Nhon Dong Ward, the locality has established more than 80 offshore fishing groups and teams with the aim of supporting each other in production and rescue, helping fishermen feel secure in going offshore, encouraging compliance with the law, combating illegal fishing (IUU) and protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands. This model also strengthens cohesion, reduces costs and risks, and improves economic efficiency for fishermen.

Fishermen in Hoai Nhon Dong ward boldly invested in large capacity boats, staying at sea for long days to catch aquatic products. **Photo: NN**

After the merger, Hoai Nhon Dong has 8 solidarity mausoleums. The mausoleums organize annual fishing festivals, attracting a large number of fishermen to participate in a spirit of integration and excitement. Everyone hopes for calm seas and calm seas at sea, full holds of fish and shrimp, and a prosperous and happy life.

Many old fishermen gathered at the mausoleum to hold a ceremony, ask their descendants about fishing, and at the same time encourage people to strictly follow all regulations when going out to sea.

Mr. Phan Van Quang - Permanent Vice Chairman of Hoai Nhon Dong Ward People's Committee - said: The Ward focuses on implementing the Action Program on "Continuing to invest in sustainable development of marine economy associated with protecting sea and island sovereignty in the new situation for the period 2021-2025"; maintaining the results of combating IUU fishing, with no fishing vessels violating from 2021 to present.

“In the coming time, the locality will continue to encourage fishermen to invest in modernizing their boats and apply advanced techniques to improve the efficiency of fishing and preserving seafood. At the same time, we will strengthen propaganda to strictly implement Directive No. 45/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on combating IUU fishing; encourage fishermen to buy insurance for their fishing boats, and prepare all conditions to welcome the inspection delegation of the European Commission (EC) to Vietnam,” Mr. Quang added.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/ngu-dan-bam-bien-lam-giau-bao-ve-chu-quyen-to-quoc-post567521.html