VietNamNet Bridge – Fisheries resources and ecosystem in the southern province of Tay Ninh is in danger as fishermen here increasingly resort to electric shocks to kill fishes.

A fisherman uses electrical shock to kill fishes. — Photo baotayninh.vn

Fishermen are still using highly destructive, banned electric nets despite several efforts by local authorities to stop them.

Head of the provincial fisheries department, Le Van Khai, said the practice of using electric nets and shocks to kill fish has been rising and catching those indulging in it has become difficult, particularly during the peak season for fishing.

A shortage of manpower is the major problem that inspectors from the department are facing because many fishermen using electric nets operate round the year and they are using more and more sophisticated ways to elude authorities.

This dangerous method of electro-fishing endangers not only the marine ecosystem but risks the lives of fishermen as well, Khai said.

Poverty has prompted fishers in the region to resort to this dangerous method to kill fish. Many people even die while handling electric fishing nets.

This method of fishing involves electrifying fishing nets with the aid of generators. Steel grates in fishing nets are used as conductors for generators' strong electric current. A single generator can release shock that can paralyse a large number of fish.

This destructive but highly profitable fishing method is popular among fishermen in the region despite the risk to their lives and substantial harm these nets cause to fish-breeding spots.

According to a fisherman, he usually catches 50 to 70kg of various types of fishes a day with the help of electric nets.

Some fishermen have manufactured other electrical equipment to catch more fishes, endangering local fish stocks.

To address the problem, the department has coordinated with local authorities to strictly stop and tackle violations, in addition to strengthening awareness activities among local residents, Khai pointed out.

VNS