De Gi fishermen unite to maintain sovereignty over sea and islands

(GLO)- Following Uncle Ho's teaching "The plain is home, and the sea is the door", for many years, fishermen in De Gi commune (Gia Lai province) have united to stick to the sea to exploit aquatic products, maintaining the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

Fishermen sell products at De Gi fishing port after days of going out to sea. Photo: Nguyen Han

Sea and island are home

Early in the morning, before the sun has risen, De Gi fishing port is already bustling. Mixed in with the bustling atmosphere of ships docking to sell seafood after a long day at sea is the hustle and bustle of fishermen preparing fishing gear, food, and provisions to begin a new journey to sea. The bustling in and out of ships creates a vibrant image at De Gi fishing port.

Having been involved in the fishing industry for decades, fisherman Luong Van Phat (An Quang Dong village, De Gi commune) confided: “Going out to sea to fish is not only a way to make a living, but also a source of pride for me. I want to spend my whole life with the sea, contributing my efforts to protect the sea and islands of the Fatherland.”

Not only Mr. Phat, with the concern of getting rich from the sea, while contributing to protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands of his homeland, fisherman Huynh Minh Kiem (also in An Quang Dong village, De Gi commune) boldly invested in 2 fishing boats with a capacity of 410 CV and 500 CV to go offshore.

Mr. Kiem's two fishing boats regularly go out to sea and are always present in most major fishing grounds such as Bach Long Vi Island, Hoang Sa, Truong Sa... Thanks to his hard work and production, Mr. Kiem's family has a prosperous life, while creating regular jobs for about 35 workers with an income of more than 100 million VND/person/year. He is also exemplary in implementing the Party's policies and the State's laws; helping fishermen overcome difficulties to go out to sea. "For me, the sea and islands are home. Life is closely linked to the sea, so I have the responsibility to protect my "home", Mr. Kiem said firmly.

Each fishing boat is a “living milestone”

Fisherman Huynh Minh Kiem's fishing boat never lacks the red flag with yellow star flying in front of the bow on every trip out to sea.

Mr. Kiem confided: “Before each sea trip, besides preparing necessities, I always check and replace the national flag on the ship. The image of the flag fluttering strongly helps fishermen feel secure for a long journey at sea. This is also a “living milestone”, affirming the sovereignty of the sea and islands of our beloved Fatherland.”

For many years, fishermen in De Gi commune have been united and close-knit when going out to sea, regularly contacting and supporting each other. At the same time, they have resolutely fought against and denounced cases of large-capacity vessels fishing destructively or polluting the marine environment; promptly detected and reported to authorities fishing vessels violating foreign territorial waters.

“Fishermen have recognized these actions and consider them their responsibility. When fishing boats from other provinces fish in the wrong route or in the wrong area, fishermen promptly report and report to the authorities and functional agencies to grasp the situation and take measures to handle it,” said fisherman Huynh Minh Kiem.

Currently, fishermen in the commune have established fishing unions and fleets to support each other in fishing at sea. The fishing fleet of De Gi commune is always present in almost all major fishing grounds such as Hoang Sa, Truong Sa, DK1 platform... And, after each trip at sea, the ship owners always prioritize buying a new national flag to hang in the highest position on the ship, showing gratitude to the Fatherland for helping fishermen have "sea luck". This has become a beautiful custom and is carried out by successive generations of fishermen.

Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of De Gi Commune, Trinh Minh Binh, shared: The simple fishermen in the locality still learn and follow Uncle Ho's words every day: "The delta is home, and the sea is the door." Uncle Ho taught that the delta is the place to live, the foundation of the country, but the sea is the gateway, the defense line, and at the same time an extremely important resource for economic development and sovereignty protection.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/ngu-dan-de-gi-doan-ket-giu-vung-chu-quyen-bien-dao-post560402.html