Fishermen earn millions daily during sardine season

After 7-8 hours at sea on rafts, Thanh Hoa fishermen catch 200-300 kg of sardines, earning millions in profit from each trip.

The month of March brings a bustling fishing atmosphere to the beaches stretching from Sam Son and Quang Ninh to Tien Trang and Hoang Thanh, marking the peak of the sardine season. Sardines, a species that moves in large schools and often comes close to shore at dawn to feed, are considered a "gift from heaven" by local fishermen.

Understanding this behavior, fishermen typically depart between 2-3h in the morning. They use rafts or small, agile boats, which are ideal for the shallow coastal areas that lack deep harbors. After venturing 10-15 nautical miles from shore, they cast their nets. Pham Van Minh, a fisherman from Nam Sam Son ward, explained that spotting glittering white schools of fish under the water with a flashlight in the dark sea signals a potentially abundant catch.

Nam Sam Son fishermen harvesting sardines on the beach. Video: Le Hoang

On the morning of 18/3, Vien Dinh Huan's fishing trip from Quang Ninh commune concluded early after his raft encountered a large school of fish. Docking before 8h, he brought in nearly 200 kg of fresh sardines. Selling them at the wharf for 18,000-20,000 dong per kg, he earned almost 4 million dong. After deducting approximately 600,000 dong for fuel and other minor costs, his profit exceeded 3 million dong. Even after distributing nearly 1 million dong to each of his two crewmates, a significant amount remained.

Huan noted that rising fuel prices require careful planning for each trip. However, a successful catch provides enough income to cover a week's living expenses.

Sardines fill fishermen's nets after a morning fishing trip. Photo: Le Hoang

While nearshore fishing is less strenuous than deep-sea ventures, untangling sardines from nets requires considerable patience. Their slender bodies and thin scales cause them to become deeply entangled. When boats return to shore, owners often enlist family members to help untangle the fish quickly for sale at the morning market.

Hoang Thi Thom, a fish merchant at Tien Trang commune beach, explained that sardines must be untangled and sold quickly while fresh to maintain their market value. Exposure to strong sun causes the fish to dehydrate, soften, and decrease in value. On days with substantial catches, ranging from 500-700 kg, boat owners often hire additional local laborers, paying them 100,000-150,000 dong per session, thus providing employment for coastal residents.

Fish are bought by merchants directly on the beach. Photo: Le Hoang

Fisherman Doi Sy Vang noted that despite the late nights and cold winds associated with coastal fishing, the abundant sardine catches at the start of the year signal a promising season for offshore ventures.

Beyond sardines, fishermen also catch lizardfish, white shrimp, mantis shrimp, crabs, and various other seafood. These are sorted and sold directly to merchants upon returning to shore.

Sardines (Sardinella) are small fish inhabiting surface waters, moving in schools of tens of thousands in search of plankton. In Vietnam, they are valued for their high nutritional content, including Omega-3 and vitamin D. They serve as a key ingredient in numerous dishes, such as salads, grilled preparations, braised dishes, and traditional fish sauce.

The sardine season extends until the end of the fourth lunar month (around late April). As offshore fishery resources show a declining trend, these nearshore sardine schools represent a crucial livelihood for fishermen, helping them sustain their profession.