Despite the public holiday, Thuan An fishing port remains busy as vessels arrive after successful trawling expeditions. The fishermen here are delighted to see their offshore catches certificated.
"The price of our catches are higher after certification. Most of fish caught in Thua Thien Hue province is from offshore fishing. We’re happy about the system", said Tran Quan, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province.
The offshore fishing vessels will be monitored by local authorities through a GPS system. Local traders have bought tonnes of fish in Thua Thien Hue Province and the catches are getting better prices.
"Safe products are certified. We can trust the quality of the catch", said Nguyen Thi Ha, a trader in Thuan An Town, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Thua Thien Hue Province have been collecting statistics on the number of fishermen affected by the mass fish deaths. The authorities are also co-operating with big supermarkets in the region to buy certificated offshore seafood from fishermen.
"The province has asked the fisheries department and related agencies to grant certification to offshore catches. This will hopefully help restore consumer confidence", said Pham Ngoc Tho, Vice Chairman of People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue Province.
Thua Thien Hue Province has taken water samples from local waters twice a day for testing and seaports are granting offshore fishing certification to local fishermen 24 hours a day.
