Calloused hands mend each net, preserving the livelihood of Nghe An fishermen
Long associated with the fishing villages of Nghe An, the net-mending profession is not only a traditional feature but also an essential part of the fishing logistics service chain. Amidst the decline in fishing output and the increase in input material prices, the net-mending profession has shown its enduring role in maintaining livelihoods, keeping people connected to the sea, and at the same time, creating more value for the coastal and offshore fishing industry.
Báo Nghệ An•15/07/2025
After each long trip at sea, fishing boats dock with torn and frayed nets. Fishermen quickly take down their nets to hand over to repair teams, preparing for the next trip. Photo: TP Net repairers, mostly women, inspect the damage to the net. The initial assessment determines the time and cost of repair. Photo: TP Net mending tools are simple, including plastic needles, small knives, fishing line, pencils, etc., but require dexterity and many years of experience to master each mending step. Photo: TP Meticulousness and patience are the qualities that make up the “brand” of net menders. Photo: TP Calloused hands mend each mesh of the net that is torn by rocks, sea trash or damaged by large fish, contributing to protecting the fishermen's property after each trip far out to sea. Photo: TP Patching a torn net may seem simple, but if done incorrectly, it can cause a whole fishing trip to fail. Each knot of line is a fulcrum for fishermen to confidently go out to sea. Photo: TP In localities such as Quynh Phu, Tan Mai, etc., dozens of net-repairing teams operate on a self-managed basis or receive orders from fishing boat owners. Each team has from 5 to 20 people, mainly female workers. Photo: TP Net-mending has been associated with many generations of fishermen here, both generating income and contributing to maintaining the livelihood of coastal areas. Photo: TP Regardless of age, the net-mending profession brings together both young and old people. Each day, a worker has a steady income of 200,000 - 250,000 VND. "I have been doing net-mending for more than 20 years, accepting to mend nets for many fishing boat owners. Depending on the request, I can work right at the port, in the workshop or at home. This job has many stages, such as cutting damaged nets, replacing weights, adjusting nets, tightening ropes... This job is not hard, but requires a lot of sitting, so it often causes back pain and knee pain. Working about 8 hours a day, the income is from 200,000 - 250,000 VND". Photo: TP The patched nets are carefully inspected to ensure quality before being returned to the fishing boat. Some nets are up to 200m long and over 2,000m² wide, and take a whole week to process. Photo: TP The repaired nets are returned to the fishing boat. This is the final link in the fishing logistics service, helping to save costs and prolong the life of fishing gear. The owner of fishing boat NA90969TS, Mr. Le Hong Nam, said: “My boat is a large-capacity iron boat, specializing in long-term offshore fishing in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa waters. After each trip, checking, repairing and replenishing the net is a mandatory step to prepare for the next trip. Thanks to the net repair teams, we are always assured of the quality of fishing gear. They work very professionally, meet the requirements well, and manipulate the nets quickly and accurately, helping the boat not to interrupt its journey.” Photo: TP
Báo Nghệ An•15/07/2025
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