Fishing boats have been arriving in large numbers at Tien Chau fishing port in Tuy An Dong Commune in recent days, bringing back holds filled with ocean tuna following successful offshore trips.
Nguyen Van Hung, a local fisherman, said his boat caught more than 40 tuna during the latest voyage, with each fish weighing between 35 kilogrammes and 40 kilogrammes.
The crew’s biggest catch, however, was a giant tuna weighing over 110 kilogrammes, which fishermen described as a rare gift from the sea.
“After decades at sea, this is the first time we have caught such a large tuna,” Hung said. “When the fish took the hook, everyone on board was nervous. Pulling it in required experience and careful coordination to avoid damaging the fish.”
Four fishermen used ropes to carefully hoist the tuna from the boat onto the dock before it was handed over to traders.
According to seafood buyers at the port, ocean tuna is currently purchased at between VND 95,000 and VND 110,000 (USD 3.6-USD 4.2) per kilogramme depending on quality.
Authorities said local fishermen have caught more than 20,000 tonnes of tuna and other seafood since the start of the year, helping provide stable incomes for coastal communities.
Dak Lak recently held a tuna festival during the April 30-May 1 holiday period as part of efforts to promote local tourism and seafood culture.