In Vietnam, locals catch big fish following water release from hydroelectric dam

Residents in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai have been reeling in bigger and better fish since a local hydroelectric dam ceased releasing water.

Local residents have been dragging in heavier nets full valuable fish, some weighing up to 20 kilograms, since the Tri An hydroelectric plant, located in Vinh Cuu District, stopped its water release on Thursday.

The dam had been discharging water for three days prior in order to regulate its reservoirs.  Once the dam stopped its release, locals took advantage of the golden opportunity to make some big catches.

Fishermen gathered by the dam early in the morning, prepared with the necessary tools and equipments to facilitate their harvest.

Their haul, ranging from common fish, such as catfish, tench, and carp to rare types such as snakehead and hemibagrus, weighed a total of about two metric tons.

A local carries his catch. Photo: Tuoi Tre

After selling their catch, most residents reported earning between VND500,000 (US$22) and VND1.5 million ($66.5), while some were able to add a few millions of dong (VND1 million = $44.8) to their pockets.

According to Duong Ngoc Thuy, a local citizen, the amount of fish being caught this year is less than previous years; however, locals still consider it a lucky opportunity to gather additional income whenever the hydroelectric plant releases its water reserves, Thuy continued.

The Tri An dam carries out the process on a yearly basis to regulate water resources in the area, resulting in several fish migrating upstream and remaining in the river section after the water discharge is halted.

Though much of the public shares in the joy of these local fishermen, some worry that their actions may hinder the local fish reproduction.

According to some Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper readers, managers of the hydroelectric project should construct a fish ladder to help the animal swim upstream and continue their natural breeding process.

Local residents catch fish at the Tri An hydroelectric dam in Dong Nai Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A man holds a big snakehead. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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