Quang Tri prioritizes sustainable fisheries industry development

Benefiting from extensive fishing grounds, Quang Tri has prioritized the advancement of its fisheries industry in a contemporary and sustainable manner.

Local authorities inspect the renovation of fishing boats using PU materials. Photo: T.C.L

The consistent production of seafood serves as a crucial supply for processing facilities and a lucrative export commodity. Additionally, this initiative generates employment opportunities for over 16,000 individuals across 16 coastal communes and towns within the province.

As of early 2023, the province boasts a total of 2,128 fishing vessels with a combined capacity of 137,261 CV. Among them, 526 vessels have a length of 6 meters or more, including 23 exceeding 24 meters and 171 ranging from 15 to 24 meters. Gio Linh District stands out as the locality with the largest offshore fishing fleet in the province.

Despite this, there is a current lack of synchronized and deteriorating infrastructure investment for seafood exploitation. Fishing logistics service vessels remain underdeveloped, and insufficient attention from fishermen to product preservation results in losses, compromised quality, diminished product value, reduced profits, and increased costs due to degraded storage facilities and inadequate cold preservation.

To address these issues, the Quang Tri Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with the Thua Thien Hue Agricultural Extension Center, is implementing the “Application of CPF (Composite Polyurethane Foam) technology in preserving products on offshore fishing vessels” project, with the National Agricultural Extension Center’s support. The initiative was launched in 2021 and 2022 in Cua Viet Town and Gio Viet Commune, Gio Linh District.

In 2023, the Quang Tri Agricultural Extension Center continues the project in Gio Viet Commune. Throughout the implementation, the center closely collaborates with local departments and branches to conduct surveys for selecting points and households. Priority is given to households with specific needs, experience, production manpower, and fishing vessels exceeding 15 meters in length.

These vessels must meet the stipulated technical requirements, express a willingness to share experiences, commit to reciprocating, and comply with the center’s set requirements. This cooperation facilitates authorities in organizing inspections and supervision of the model’s implementation, and it allows people to visit and learn from the initiative.

Truong Thanh Dinh in Xuan Ngoc Village, Gio Viet Commune, Gio Linh District, has been selected by the center as the owner of ship number QT-99001-TS to participate in implementing the model. Weekly, officials are directly involved in directing, inspecting, and supervising the process. The center supports 50% of the tunnel construction material costs, with fishermen contributing the remaining 50%.

The center conducted a training session for 20 fishermen on techniques for preserving products before constructing storage tunnels using CPF technology. This aimed to familiarize them with the effects of using materials like PU (Polyurethane) and Composite materials, highlighting the advantages of PU tunnels and providing guidance on cleaning methods.

Criteria for materials used in storage tunnels on fishing vessels include low thermal conductivity, minimal water absorption for better waterproofing, low specific gravity, non-flammability, mechanical durability to withstand vibrations and shocks, and good compression. These materials should not pose harm to the stored products. Key preservation requirements include rapid cooling upon catch, maintaining a cold environment, and ensuring sanitary conditions on the deck, processing area, and storage cellar.

Upon pulling up the net, fishermen are instructed to promptly remove impurities, trash, and sand. Rotten, bruised, and poor-quality fish are stored separately, while fresh seafood intended for consumption is treated differently. The washing process involves using clean sea water or ice-cold water.

Fish are categorized for export, fresh domestic consumption, or for fish sauce or animal feed. Emphasis is placed on exported and fresh domestic consumption fish. After sorting, the fish are immediately placed in a bucket of crushed ice mixed with sea water to wash and remove dirt while causing the seafood to die immediately. The arranged seafood is then placed in trays or PE bags, covered with ice, and stored in the cellar.

Twice-daily checks ensure that if the top layer of ice melts significantly and the fish block’s temperature exceeds 5°C, additional ice is added. The cold cellar door is opened only when necessary. Proper, quick, and careful handling and storage of products are essential. The storage tunnel system is thoroughly cleaned before storing products and must be shaded from the sun to prevent heat gain, which could damage the preserved products.

Comparing the new method using PU storage tunnels with traditional storage tunnels, the new approach ensures even cold distribution without local heat increases. This guarantees the quality and quantity of fish during the time at sea. The newly constructed storage tunnel is both clean and easy to clean, ensuring that the caught products are safe for consumption.

In the practical context of fishermen’s sea journeys, the integration of new storage tunnels has extended fishing durations while significantly reducing the overall loss of catch, thereby diminishing the costs associated with sea trips. Importantly, this enhancement in storage technology ensures the quality of the harvested fish.

Furthermore, the novel material used in the storage bunkers contributes to the vessel’s rigidity, enabling it to withstand powerful wave impacts, especially during stormy seasons. This technological advancement allows ship owners to prolong their time at sea, decrease product extraction expenses, and achieve higher economic efficiency than previously possible. This, in turn, fosters the growth of offshore fishing and enhances safety at sea.

Phan Van Phuong, the Deputy Director of the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized that the model’s results are being well-received, particularly by farmers and those involved in offshore fishing. The positive impact of the new technology on preserving post-harvest products has garnered significant interest from offshore fishing boat operators eager to learn from the experience.

To enhance fishing efficiency, there is a need for policies that facilitate fishermen’s access to capital for upgrading and renovating storage tanks with these new materials for service vessels and offshore fishing vessels. This support would contribute to reducing preservation costs during sea trips and improving the overall livelihoods of fishermen.

The recommendation is for all levels and sectors to focus on supporting and expanding the model across the province. Additionally, there is an emphasis on strengthening the dissemination of new scientific and technical advancements in product preservation methods, aiming to digitally transform the agricultural sector and establish smart agricultural models.

Tran Cat Linh - Ngoc Mai