Through the lens: Nha Trang nets overthrown with huge anchovy catch

Salty goodness: Anchovies are taken from the net and carried ashore by local fishermen in Khánh Hòa Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý
Viet Nam News
Fishermen in Khánh Hòa Province have enjoyed a bumper anchovy catch in early July, with each trip netting 700-800kg of anchovy, twice their average catch.

The price for each kilo of anchovy ranges from VNĐ17,000 to 19,000 (US$0.7-0.8), earning each boat owner dozens of millions of đồng.

Fresh to death: The anchovies are purchased in the harbour by traders. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý
Local fishermen usually depart in fishing boats at about two in the morning and return to harbour at about 8am. To catch anchovies, they use small boats, casting their nets some 9-10 nautical miles from the coast, with 5-6 fishermen on board.

Grinding: To catch anchovies, they use small boats with low capacity, casting their nets some 9-10 nautical miles from the coast. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý
The anchovies are purchased at the harbour by traders and then transported to markets or used to make fish sauce. Some fishermen retain a large quantity to dry and sell later at a higher price.

Come and get them: Anchovies are transported to the markets. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý
According to local fishermen, the bumper catch this year is thanks to good weather.

Cửa Bé-Nha Trang sea area has the maximum concentration of local fishing boats in Khánh Hòa Province.

Trade with a soul: The anchovy haul has not only brought income but also created stable jobs for many locals in coastal Nha Trang City. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý
Unlike other fish caught in specific seasons, anchovies can be caught all year round, with the peak season from February to August.

The anchovy haul has not only brought income but also created stable jobs for many locals in coastal Nha Trang City.

Bumper haul: Each trip in early July nets some 700-800kg of anchovy, twice the average catch of local fishermen in Khánh Hòa Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyên Lý
Since early 2017, fishing in Khánh Hòa Province has prospered, exceeding 53,000 tonnes of production, an increase by 2.2 per cent in comparison with 2016, with the increase down to incentive policies and favourable weather. — VNS