The Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system in Hue, Southeast Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, has a long tradition of no sao, in which bamboo or wooden stakes and nets are used to enclose areas for aquaculture and fishing.
Authorities have sought to clear and reorganise no sao fishing enclosures across the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system since 2011. However, many illegal structures remain in Ha Trung Lagoon in Phu Vang Commune, obstructing waterways and water flows and contributing to pollution.
Phu Vang Commune authorities said 19 households had illegally reoccupied parts of the lagoon around Con Gia, using bamboo and eucalyptus stakes and fine-mesh plastic nets to create three- to 20-hectare enclosures for raising shrimp, crabs and fish.
Dense rows of stakes form maze-like structures across the lagoon. (Photo: Cao Tien)
Residents prepare fine-mesh plastic nets to create enclosures for fishing and aquaculture in the lagoon.
Local fishermen say shrimp, crabs and fish grow faster and cost less to raise in the natural lagoon than in ponds, but the enclosures can restrict clean water supplies to aquaculture areas along the shore.
The enclosures also threaten the lagoon’s natural flora and fauna by restricting breeding and
The enclosures also leave less open water for fishermen using legal mobile fishing methods.
Illegal enclosures and makeshift watch huts in the lagoon also pose safety risks during storms and heavy rain.
Phu Vang authorities have urged residents to dismantle illegal fishing enclosures while reorganising designated areas for households wishing to continue the practice and maintain their livelihoods.
Many households have voluntarily removed illegal enclosures, while authorities will continue urging others to comply and take action against persistent violations.
After the enclosures are removed, authorities will mark designated areas and guide households in re-establishing aquaculture facilities within approved zones.