Quang Ngai currently has more than 4,840 fishing vessels with a total capacity of about 1.81 million CV; of which nearly 3,000 vessels are over 15m long, specializing in offshore fishing. This is one of the localities that owns the largest offshore fishing fleet in the country. In 2025, the whole province exploited more than 280,000 tons of seafood, reaching nearly 105% of the plan, a figure showing the strong reach of the Quang fishing industry.
After the Binh Ngo Tet 2026, the sea gates are again bustling with engine sounds and people calling each other. Hundreds of fishing boats in Quang Ngai simultaneously set sail, bringing expectations for a harmonious sea season. In Tinh Khe and Dong Son communes, two localities with a large fleet of ships in the province, the first fishing ceremony of the year was held in a solemn and bustling atmosphere. Amidst the spring colors still lingering on the wharves, fishermen encouraged each other to maintain the spirit of solidarity and mutual support at sea, effectively exploiting and protecting the environment and preserving the sacred sea and island sovereignty of the Fatherland.
In the early days of the year, Tinh Ky port is also bustling with boats docking. Returning from the Truong Sa sea area after two weeks of Tet, fisherman Nguyen Tan Linh's boat (Dong Son commune) is full of flying fish and many valuable seafood. "Welcoming Tet in Truong Sa, we brothers receive sea fortunes which are good-priced fish. After deducting expenses, there is still a considerable amount to return to celebrate Tet late with our families," Mr. Linh shared, his smile still darkened by the sun and wind.
According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh Phu - in charge of the Management Board of Tinh Hoa Fishing Port and Storm Shelter - from the 6th day of the first lunar month to now, many fishing vessels operating throughout Tet have successively docked at the port in the joy of a bumper crop and good prices. The atmosphere of loading and unloading goods is bustling from early morning, the sound of trailers, the sound of bargaining mixed with the salty smell of the sea creates the typical rhythm of life of the fishing village at the beginning of the year.
To help fishermen complete their sea trips soon, the Port Management Board focuses on quickly resolving procedures, creating favorable conditions for the loading and unloading and consumption of seafood. Each trip to dock not only carries fish and shrimp but also carries the desire to return home, gather around a warm meal after Tet holidays far from the shore.
Currently, the prices of many types of seafood are at high levels. At Tinh Ky, Tinh Hoa, My A, Sa Huynh ports, snakehead fish is priced at about 100,000 VND/kg; mackerel is about 300,000 VND/kg; squid from 200,000 VND/kg or more - 15–20% higher than usual days.
Price increases are partly due to the time before and during the Lunar New Year, most ships are temporarily closed, so supply is scarce, while consumption demand after Tet increases sharply. Therefore, seafood from sea trips throughout Tet just docked at the port has been quickly purchased by traders, helping fishermen have a promising sea trip.
Fisherman Bui Van Trung (Chau Me village, Dong Son commune) confided: "The sea trip to open a business is always important. Everything is difficult at the beginning, so you must prepare carefully from fishing gear, fuel to departure documents. If the start is smooth, the end will be smooth. If the sea trip is favorable, sticking to the sea all year will also be more assured, believing in a season of calm waves and full of fish in the hold.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the early spring days, each ship breaking the waves out to sea not only makes a living but also continues the age-old tradition of the people of the coastal area of Quang Ngai who are persistent, brave and always look towards the open horizon.
