Authorities in Da Nang are cracking down on unauthorized night squid fishing tours that have become increasingly popular among tourists, warning of safety and legal risks.

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Squid fishing tours are widely promoted on social media despite lacking licenses.

On October 6, the Son Tra Border Guard Station in Da Nang announced that it had recently detected and penalized several fishing boats for illegally organizing night squid and fish fishing trips for tourists.

According to the unit, an increasing number of local fishing boats have been offering unauthorized night excursions for squid and fish fishing in recent months.

Despite lacking the required permits, many boat owners have openly operated these tours and even launched widespread advertising campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Numerous posts and videos promote the "experience of night squid fishing in Da Nang."

These activities pose significant safety risks and violate regulations on aquatic resource exploitation and inland waterway transport.

In a high-profile inspection campaign aimed at addressing illegal fishing and enhancing maritime tourism safety, the Son Tra Border Guard intensified patrols around the Son Tra Peninsula and surrounding waters.

At 5:30 p.m. on October 1, the patrol team discovered fishing vessel ĐNa-11837-TS illegally transporting two tourists for a squid fishing tour. The boat owner was fined VND 13 million (approx. USD 530).

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Son Tra Border Guards inspect and penalize illegal fishing vessels.

Previously, at 10:30 a.m. on August 28, authorities had identified two more vessels - ĐNa-11371-TS and ĐNa-11842-TS - each carrying 15 passengers without valid operating documentation. Both owners received fines of VND 12 million each (approx. USD 490).

The Son Tra Border Guard Station advises residents and tourists to thoroughly research tour providers and only choose those officially licensed to operate maritime tours. Using unregistered or unlicensed boats that fail to meet legal and technical standards poses serious risks to life and property.

According to the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Beach Tourism Management Board, night squid fishing tours in the city have not been officially licensed. All such services currently offered are spontaneous and unregulated.

Ho Giap