The leading sector

In 2007 seafood production value was VND458 billion, accounting for 67.5 percent of total value of agriculture-forestryseafood sector, up 12 percent over the previous year. The growth rate of fisheries sector was four time higher than that of agriculture and forestry sectors. In addition, seafood exports topped the ranking with US$70 million, up 12.9 percent and accounting for 90.2 percent of total US$77.6 million of agriculture-forestryseafood exports.

Abundant and rich marine resources contribute remarkably to such growth rate of seafood industry. 72km coastline ranging from Hai Van Pass, surrounding Son Tra peninsula and stretching to Quang Nam Province creates a large Da Nang Bay. Marine reserves in Da Nang sea waters are very rich, with more than 670 species, of which 100 species are of high value, including 50 shrimp species, 20 squid species and 40 finfish species. Son Tra peninsula has a diversified ecosystems such coral reef, seaweed bed, and specious species including turtles, lobsters, groupers, etc. Here is also the place of genetic preservation and nursing of marine species. Besides, aquaculture industry has large potential to develop with 1,350ha of brackish waters, deserted waters and salted paddy fields and 877ha of fresh waters.

Only 60 percent of total land has been dedicated for aquaculture so potential is obviously still large. The provincial aquaculture production in 2007 reached 1,190MT, of which black tiger shrimp 490MT, freshwater output 700MT.

Improving fishing efficiency

To solve problems facing fishing fleets which often operate separately and lack communications, cut down operational costs and reduce risks facing fishers, since 2005 Da Nang municipal authorities have issued marine fishing regulation by groups. This regulation has created legal framework for setting up

fishing groups on the basis of voluntariness and mutual assistance and mutual benefit.

Each group includes five fishing vessels, one of which specializes in logistics and transporting fishing catch ashore. This fishing model proved effective. For example, for a group of squid fishing vessels, they can operate at sea for 60-65 days with an average fishing catch of 17-20MT, two times higher than that of vessel which operates separately.With decreased production costs, higher quality products due to timely transported ashore and better prices, incomes of vessel owners and fishers increased remarkably.

Fishing vessel groups are provided ICOM communication devices, fire extinguishers, lifebuoys and preserving equipment by local authorities. Being a pioneer in establishing fishing vessel group, Da Nang has so far set up 91 fishing groups including 572 vessels with the combined capacity of 44,805HP.

Besides, communication network between fishing vessels at sea and mainland operator has been established. Therefore, fishing vessels often receive updated weather forecast and other necessary information of shelters for storms. Fishing groups even have their own funds to help one another buy fishing gear and pay for vessel repairs.

Initial achievements brought by fishing groups encourage fishers to invest in more powerful vessels to operate in off-shore fishing grounds. As a result, despite bad weather, capture landings in Da Nang in 2007 still amounted to 41,800MT, up 10.1 percent over 2006.

New appearance

To facilitate seafood industry to further develop, local authorities made decision on establishing a closed fisheries complex from fishing, processing to logistics services. This complex located in Tho Quang ward, 18km away from Lien Chieu port and only 3km away from Da Nang airport includes a fisheries services zone covering 77.3ha, a fishing port and a wholesale market. The complex is expected to complete and in operation by the end of this year. Da Nang seafood industry also set targets of 42,820MT of seafood production, of which 41,640MT come from fishing, up 6.7 percent, and 1,180MT from aquaculture, up 4.3 percent. Seafood export value is projected at US$78-80 million, up 11-12 percent.

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