Phu Yen fishermen earn big money from baby lobsters

Trawling expeditions in the month of lunar November can bring good money to the fishermen in Phu Yen Province, especially bountiful catches of baby lobsters that are often used for breeding.

Trawling expeditions in the month of lunar November can bring good money to the fishermen in Phu Yen Province, especially bountiful catches of baby lobsters that are often used for breeding.

Fishermen ready for new trip.

After an eight-hour trip, hundreds of fishermen in Xuan Dai Ward gathered together to count their catches. They often go on such trips during the lunar November and return home before the Tet Holiday. According to the fishermen, the stronger the winds from the northeast are, the more bountiful catches they can have.

Nguyen Van Dung said he caught 10 baby lobsters which will be sold for VND30,000 (USD1.30) to VND90,000. Dung earns VND400,000 to VND900,000 each night. They only need to invest VND100,000 to VND150,000 into the tools including a net and a basket boat.

Phu Yen fishermen earn big money from baby lobsters.

Nguyen Van Hoa, another fisherman said, "It's really hard work, so there are mostly men who go to the sea. But the income is promising. I know a fisherman who caught 600 lobsters one night and earned VND20m (USD861). Thanks to such trips we can prepare for Tet and buy new items for our wives and kids."

Trader Tran Thi Canh said the prices had dropped a bit this year from VND130,000 (USD5.60) per baby lobster to VND90,000.

"We'll sell those lobsters to the farms in Song Cau Town or raise them ourselves. I feel like those lobsters are more lively and the meat tastes better than other imported baby lobsters," she said.