From around 5am, on beaches in communes such as Tien Dien, Co Dam, Thach Lac, and Dong Tien, small boats with engines under 90CV begin arriving after a night at sea. Onboard are heavy nets filled with hundreds of kilograms of freshly caught herring - a fish often referred to as the “silver of the sea” for its shimmering scales.

On the sand, fishermen quickly pull in nets, remove fish, and sort them as soon as the boats dock. Baskets of fresh herring are promptly carried ashore and sold to traders waiting nearby.

According to local fishermen, the herring season in these areas typically runs from the first to the third lunar month. During this period, schools of herring follow ocean currents closer to shore, making them easier to catch. As a result, even short trips can yield substantial catches.

Nguyen Van Hung, a fisherman from Tien Dien commune, said: “These days, herring are abundant, so boats go out at night and return early in the morning. On average, each trip brings in several hundred kilograms, and on lucky days, the catch can be even higher.”

Trinh Thanh, 42, also from Tien Dien, said he has made around 15 trips since the beginning of the year. Each trip starts at 2am and ends around 5am the same day.

“On some trips, my boat catches about 500kg of fish. After expenses, I earn around VND4 million (approximately US$160). When the weather is more favorable, the catch can reach up to 800kg,” he said.

Once ashore, fishermen work quickly to remove fish from nets, sort them, and sell them directly on the beach. Traders from various localities arrive early to purchase the catch. Depending on size and daily supply, herring prices range from VND10,000 to VND15,000 per kilogram (US$0.40-0.60). Although prices are not high, the large volume ensures stable income for fishermen.

Not only in Tien Dien, herring fishing is also bustling in other coastal communes. On beaches in Co Dam, Thach Lac, and Dong Tien, groups of workers are busy pulling nets, transporting fish, and weighing catches for traders. The season not only benefits fishermen but also creates temporary jobs for many local laborers.

After being purchased, herring is transported to local markets and neighboring provinces for consumption. Some are sold fresh, while others are processed into familiar dishes such as grilled herring, braised herring, or herring salad.

According to locals, herring is popular for its soft texture, rich flavor, and ease of preparation. During peak season, many seaside eateries also take advantage of the fresh supply to serve customers, generating additional income.

A leader of Thach Lac commune said that coastal fishing, including herring harvesting, remains a vital source of livelihood for many households. Local authorities are encouraging sustainable fishing practices to protect marine resources and preserve the coastal environment.