Vietnam Tuna Association (VINATUNA) participated the esteemed "Cầu Ngư" Fishers Festival in Phu Yen Province.

HỘI THẢO TẠI QUY NHƠN: THÚC ĐẨY THỰC HÀNH TỐT AN TOÀN LAO ĐỘNG TRONG NGHỀ CÁ Ngày 16/3/2025, tại thành phố Quy Nhơn, tỉnh Bình Định, Hiệp hội Cá ngừ Việt Nam (VINATUNA) phối hợp với Tổ chức International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS) và các đơn vị địa phương tổ chức hội thảo với chủ đề “Thúc đẩy Thực hành tốt An toàn lao động trong nghề cá”. Tham dự hội thảo có 40 ngư dân địa phương, đại diện VINATUNA, IFFS, Chi cục Thủy sản Bình Định, UBND phường Trần Phú và phường Hải Cảng. Hội thảo nằm trong khuôn khổ Dự án “Cải thiện An toàn lao động trên biển” do IFFS tài trợ, nhằm nâng cao nhận thức và trang bị kiến thức thiết thực về an toàn lao động cho ngư dân. Nội dung chương trình tập trung vào các chủ đề quan trọng như: kiến thức y tế và sơ cấp cứu trên tàu, cách sử dụng thiết bị cứu sinh – cứu hỏa, kỹ năng liên lạc khi xảy ra sự cố khẩn cấp. On the morning of April 12, 2025, in Ward 4, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province, the Vietnam Tuna Association (VINATUNA) joined and extended its best wishes at the Fishermen’s Festival (Lễ hội Cầu Ngư) – a unique and long-standing cultural and spiritual event deeply embedded in the lives of coastal fishing communities. The festival has been officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.

On the morning of April 12, 2025, in Ward 4, Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen Province, the Vietnam Tuna Association (VINATUNA) joined and extended its best wishes at the Fishermen’s Festival (Lễ hội Cầu Ngư) – a unique and long-standing cultural and spiritual event deeply embedded in the lives of coastal fishing communities. The festival has been officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.

 

The Fishermen’s Festival originates from the belief system of coastal fishermen, who revere whales and dolphins, respectfully known as “Cá Ông” (Lord Whale) or Thần Nam Hải (God of the South Sea). These marine mammals are regarded as guardian spirits who protect offshore fishers from storms and sea accidents. In folklore, whales are believed to appear during storms to rescue distressed vessels and fishermen. Out of deep gratitude, fishermen build whale temples and hold annual festivals to pray for calm weather, calm seas, and the productive fishing season.

 

 

At Phu Cau Communal House, local fishers have preserved around 16 whale skeletons, including one of the largest ever discovered in Phu Yen province. The practice of whale worship not only reflects the spiritual life and cultural identity of coastal communities but also serves as a long-standing and profound expression of awareness and responsibility of Vietnam fishermen in protecting marine mammals and endangered marine species, especially whales.

Beyond its traditional and spiritual meanings, the Whale Worship Festival is also an opportunity for the local fishing community to come together, strengthen bonds, and preserve the cultural marine heritage.

As part of the event, VINATUNA distributed and posters on promoting occupational safety at sea, under the "Improving Occupational Safety at Sea" project funded by IFFS. These communication materials aim to raise awareness among fishers about safety guideline for fishing vessels, ensuring the safety of crews, and preventing accidents during fishing operations. This activity not only spreads vital knowledge but also links modern safety initiatives with traditional and historical values within the fishing community.