The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has suggested fishermen stockpile their fish to prevent traders from lowering prices. The move has come in response to plummeting fish and seafood prices in the province.
Do Chi Si, Head of Ca Mau Department for Aquatic Resources Protection said: “The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Ca Mau Province had asked local authorities to check the traders which have tried to take advantage of the situation to force fishermen to sell their catches for cheaper”.
Consumer confidence is being restored by guarantees over the quality of the local catches.
Su Van Minh, Vice-Chairman of Ca Mau People's Committee said: “We’ll make sure that local people understand that the fish deaths in the central region haven’t got any relevance to fishing in Ca Mau Province”.
Sông Đốc has seen a quiet few weeks. Although this is currently peak fishing season, fishermen haven’t been selling much and are looking forward to greater support from the authorities.
Dinh Minh Binh, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province said: “I haven’t been able to sell my fish. I hope the authorities will help us to find outlets. Businesses should help stockpile our fish so we can sell them when the crisis is over”.
Besides the solutions offered by the local authorities, fishermen expressed their wish to see refrigerated storehouses.
