After visiting Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị provinces, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Đức Phát arrived in Thuận An Port and and Lăng Cô Town, Thừa Thiên-Huế Province on Tuesday morning, to check on the province’s fish catches and sales and to encourage more support for local fishermen.
Over the past month, fishermen in Thừa Thiên Huế Province have been suffering from poor harvests and fish sold at low prices. Many of them might have to abandon their livelihoods due to losses.
"Tuna, cuttlefish and scad are being sold at incredibly low prices, compared to previous years." - Farmer, Thuan An Town, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Đức Phát said that the cause of mass fish death is being investigated. Local authorities are also helping fishermen to overcome the losses and sell fish caught farther than 20 nautical miles from land. Minister Phát also praised the establishments of reliable fish markets in Thừa Thiên-Huế province to help fishermen sell their fresh fish.
"With the help of media, we’re informing citizens of where to find fish caught offshore. We’re also sending experts to co-operate with local authorities to assist fishermen in their fishing activities." - Cao Duc Phat, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Recently, fish in nearly 1800 fish farm cages were found dead. Total losses are estimated at around 6 million US dollars. Since May 1st, the authority of Thừa Thiên-Huế Province has certified 660 tonnes of fish caught offshore, and requested the central agencies provide 300 tonnes of rice and 1.5 million US dollars for fishermen affected by the dead fish incident./.
