Authorities of the northern province of Quang Ninh on March 31 destroyed a large amount of electrical equipment used to electrocute large numbers of fish.

The equipment found at Ha Khanh Ward, Ha Long City include 105 electro-fishers, 600 kilos of electric wire, 10 home-made electrical guns, 27 batteries, 24 diving suits, and four air compressors. 

The large amount of fishing equipment destroyed by Quang Ninh Province's authorities

According to Quang Ninh Province’s border guards, besides these confiscated equipment, between February 17 and March 17, local authorities issued 73 fishing violations with fines of VND420 million (USD19,000). 

The illegal method kills all aquatic creatures, from baby fish to plankton within the radius of 1.5-2 metres. Fish resources cannot reproduce, leading to a rapid decline in the number of aquatic species, affecting biodiversity.

At a meeting on revising the law on fisheries in Hanoi recently, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Security and Defence Committee Vo Trong Viet said Vietnam was proud to have rich natural resources on both land and sea, however, it lacked detailed laws to protect this as the articles and regulations are vague.

"Other countries ban fishing during breeding season and make it clear which type of fish can be caught and implement severe punishment for violators. But the ban in our country is vague and fishermen still go to fishing spots during breeding season which will drive the fish to extinction," he said.

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Lieutenant General Pham Ngoc Minh said "In the past, we could find and catch a lot during a day at sea. But now, there is almost no fish from Bach Long Vi to Phu Quoc islands. That's why many people illegally fish in the territorial waters of other countries. Last year, 16 boats were seized for trespassing”.

Illegally electrocuting fish is subject to a fine of only VND1-2 million.