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Vietnam's Traditional Seafood Industry

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https://www.instagram.com/the_backalley_photographer/

Vietnam is the world’s third largest exporter of fish products, exporting a record-breaking USD 11 billion of seafood products last year. The industry provides more than 4.5 million Vietnamese with jobs. 2023 however, has not been going as well, due to several economic factors. High global inflation has affected consumption of seafood worldwide; the Chinese market was slow to emerged from its strict Covid lockdown; and greater competition from other countries that have lower costs and prices is also taking its toll. These problems especially hurt the large processing plants which have been unable to get loans to pay for expensive operating costs.
However, small-scale fisheries in the domestic market are thriving. In August 2022, I visited the wholesale seafood market in Danang, which is located in Tho Quang fishing port. I also went to Man Thai ward, the remnant of a traditional fishing village in the city of Danang, as well as many local markets besides, to find out how important seafood, and the seafood industry, is to Vietnamese culture and daily life. These behind-the-scenes photographs show the daily activities of Vietnam's traditional seafood industry.

A boat arrives in Tho Quang Fishing Port.
A boat arrives in Tho Quang Fishing Port.
Fishermen scoop up mackerel from the holds, while women pack them in to crates.
Fishermen scoop up mackerel from the holds, while women pack them in to crates.
Water is pumped in to the holds so that the fish can be reached more easily.
Water is pumped in to the holds so that the fish can be reached more easily.
The busy loading dock of Tho Quang Fishing Port.
The busy loading dock of Tho Quang Fishing Port.
Crates are loaded onto a van to be taken to a processing plant, from where much of the fish gets exported overseas.
Crates are loaded onto a van to be taken to a processing plant, from where much of the fish gets exported overseas.
After leaving the fishing port, boats are moored leeward of Son Tra peninsula.
After leaving the fishing port, boats are moored leeward of Son Tra peninsula.
Just one part of Tho Quang wholesale seafood market.
Just one part of Tho Quang wholesale seafood market.
Retail merchants and restaurateurs come to Tho Quang wholesale seafood market to bid for the best fish.
Retail merchants and restaurateurs come to Tho Quang wholesale seafood market to bid for the best fish.
Blocks of ice are ground with an antique machine. Lots of ice is needed to keep the seafood fresh.
Blocks of ice are ground with an antique machine. Lots of ice is needed to keep the seafood fresh.
A merchant stops to order a cool drink before leaving the wholesale market .
A merchant stops to order a cool drink before leaving the wholesale market .
Man Thai beach fish market.
Man Thai beach fish market.
After fishermen unload their catch, the womenfolk weigh each tub and crate.
After fishermen unload their catch, the womenfolk weigh each tub and crate.
Large tubs are bound for market, while smaller crates are sold directly on the beach.
Large tubs are bound for market, while smaller crates are sold directly on the beach.
Bikes are the quickest way of getting the fish from the beach to the market.
Bikes are the quickest way of getting the fish from the beach to the market.
Most beaches in Danang have given way to leisure and tourism activities. But Man Thai beach, which sits in the shelter of Son
Most beaches in Danang have given way to leisure and tourism activities. But Man Thai beach, which sits in the shelter of Son
An old fisherman mending his nets at his home in Man Thai ward.
An old fisherman mending his nets at his home in Man Thai ward.
An elderly resident of Man Thai ward. Many of the older generation depend upon fishing for their livelihoods, though not all
An elderly resident of Man Thai ward. Many of the older generation depend upon fishing for their livelihoods, though not all
The seafood section of Moi market occupies one third of the whole marketplace. It is almost entirely run by women over the ag
The seafood section of Moi market occupies one third of the whole marketplace. It is almost entirely run by women over the ag
Fishmongers at Bac My An market setting up there stalls in the early hours of the morning.
Fishmongers at Bac My An market setting up there stalls in the early hours of the morning.
A woman makes fresh fish cakes at Man Thai market.
A woman makes fresh fish cakes at Man Thai market.
A friendly vendor at Man Thai market.
A friendly vendor at Man Thai market.
Vendors squeeze past each other, bringing their goods to Tan Lap market.
Vendors squeeze past each other, bringing their goods to Tan Lap market.
Customers at Mieu Bong market.
Customers at Mieu Bong market.
Coracles in Danang Bay.
Coracles in Danang Bay.
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