Back to the small fishing village in 1982

Chapter 1719 Countermeasures



Chapter 1719 Countermeasures

Chapter 1719 Countermeasures

Ye Yaodong tapped his fingers on the table in thought, "Go and find out first whether this pilot summer fishing moratorium applies to nearshore fishing grounds for two months, or whether it also applies to deep-sea fishing?"

Manager Qi nodded.

"By the way, do the fishing companies intend to strictly enforce this?"

"They are a state-owned enterprise, so they will definitely follow the policy. If the fishing ban is really implemented, some small boats might just go back to where they were and secretly fish in the nearshore waters right in their own backyards, right?"

Ye Yaodong nodded, "That's for sure. Fishing is not allowed in the fishing grounds here, so the fishing boats can only go back to their own backyards. After all, this is just a pilot program, not a complete ban. If they can't fish here, then they'll fish at home."

It's a good idea for them to go back to where they came from. We can issue a notice later prohibiting near-shore fishing vessels from fishing across provinces. This is a logical step and there's no need to specifically drive them away.

The policymakers have put a lot of thought into it, piloting the program now before implementing it more widely, and extending the fishing ban period.

"I'll have someone find out more details. It's only April now, so there's still more than a month of buffer time. The factory can stock up on goods in advance. Anyway, we have cold storage, so we won't have to stop production during the fishing moratorium."

"I estimate that fish prices will rise in the near future."

"That's right. Fishing is prohibited here, so fish prices are bound to rise. We don't know how many tons of goods are circulating in the port every day."

"Go and find out the details first, whether it's just the nearshore area or the deep-sea area is also included in the fishing ban."

"Okay, then you go and rest first."

Ye Yaodong nodded.

As soon as I entered the factory, before I even reached the dormitory building, Manager Qi hurriedly pulled me to his office halfway there, even though I was still holding my pee.

After locking the office door, he continued walking towards the dormitory building.

When Lin Xiuqing saw him return, she quickly asked, "What's the rush? I just got here and I'm already taking you to the office. Can't you even rest for a bit? You can't even catch your breath?"

"It is indeed an urgent matter. A document was issued yesterday, stating that a two-month fishing moratorium will be implemented in designated pilot areas, specifically in June and July. It is already the end of April, and May will be here in a few days, which is only about a month."

"what?"

Lin Xiuqing was dumbfounded. What did "designated pilot fishing moratorium" mean?

Ye Yaodong gave her a brief explanation.

"If we can't go out to sea to fish for two months, how much will we lose with all our boats? That's huge! Your fish-collecting boats make hundreds of thousands per trip, so that's millions over two months!"

"That's right. And the key point is that we haven't been fishing for two months. We can't just not pay all those workers' wages, can we? If we don't pay them, how are we supposed to starve?"

If there is a fishing moratorium, his wages still have to be paid. If there are 500 people, and each person receives 300 yuan a month, that's 15 yuan a month, and 30 yuan a month.

If we don't go out to sea to fish, this wage expenditure is quite substantial.

Lin Xiuqing felt a pang of heartache. "You'll still get paid even if you don't go out to fish?"

"Definitely."

"So many people, taking two months off, this is a free vacation."

"Let them find out first whether the ban refers to the nearshore area or also includes the deep sea."

"I hope the ban only applies to nearshore waters, so that at least deep-sea fishing can still continue."

"It's only been two months, thankfully." Ye Yaodong first splashed water on his face and then soaked his feet.

"Anyway, you don't need to worry about it. Get some sleep and rest. Tomorrow I'll take you back to Shanghai and bring the Dongyu No. 2 back with me."

"This new ship won't be usable for long after it's brought back; it'll be sitting idle again. We've been urging the factory to hurry up and finish it, but now it's going to be useless."

"There's nothing we can do about it; that's the policy. Luckily, it'll only last two months."

"Two months is quite a lot for us, it's several million. Forget it, let's talk about it after we wake up. Let's get some sleep and catch up on some rest."

While lying down, Ye Yaodong had already started thinking of countermeasures. If there really was a two-month complete ban on fishing, he would send the 11 Dongsheng fishing boats back to fish in the nearshore waters near his home.

Send the 30-meter, 36-meter, and 40-meter fish-collecting boats back home. His father is at home anyway. Arrange for two more salesmen; they already have business in both the town and the city.

He was still considering whether to take the nine ocean-going vessels and the two Dongyu vessels to the high seas for fishing.

The area within 12 nautical miles of the territorial sea baseline is the territorial sea, and the area beyond 12 nautical miles is the high seas. However, fishing in the high seas is not as simple as "sailing the boat there". It is a complex process involving domestic and international regulations.

The high seas are open to all countries, including the freedom to fish, although relevant procedures are required.

Fishing vessels must apply to the Ministry of Agriculture of China and obtain qualifications as distant-water fishing enterprises and project approval. At this point, it is unclear which unit to apply to.

This wasn't difficult for him. Their Dongsheng Fisheries was currently receiving significant government support, so applying for it wouldn't be a problem.

However, after obtaining the distant-water fishing qualification, some related certificates still need to be obtained. He was not very familiar with the other certificates, but the most basic one was that all crew members must have seaman's certificates.

Most of them were just makeshift teams, and management wasn't strict at first. Anyone with a little experience or who had undergone self-training could get on board.

Next, he needs to arrange for the crew members to take the seaman's certificate exam as soon as possible. They have to take it sooner or later anyway, and those who don't have a certificate must all be made to take the exam.

There are also distant-water fishing vessels. In the future, it will be mandatory to install ship monitoring systems so that the state and relevant fisheries management organizations can monitor their location and track in real time to ensure that they do not enter fishing ban areas or other countries' exclusive economic zones to operate illegally. I don't know what the current situation is.

Then there are international shipping certificates, and he doesn't know much about the others. He'll have to ask Manager Qi to find out and make some arrangements. It's best to get the necessary certificates in advance; the earlier you do it, the simpler it is, and the later you do it, the more difficult it becomes.

Moreover, the later you apply, the more likely you are to encounter difficulties or get blocked.

Thinking about it, Ye Yaodong realized he would be very busy. After he woke up, he would have to tell Manager Qi to inquire about the relevant issues and permits for fishing in international waters.

Everything that needs to be done needs to be done in advance.

Lin Xiuqing patted him and said, "What are you still thinking about? Go to sleep and think about it again when you wake up. The more you think, the more active your mind will become, and the less you will be able to fall asleep later. You'll just be physically exhausted."

"Ah."

Ye Yaodong closed his eyes, deciding to wait until he woke up before continuing.

He had just heard the news when another dormitory area found out a day earlier.

The boat captains had been discussing it for a long time, but they didn't know what to do. They had no one to lead them and were thinking of waiting for him to come back so they could ask him for advice.

As soon as we found out yesterday, we called his home from all over the place, but he had already boarded a ship and left the day before yesterday, so all the calls came up empty-handed.

We could only patiently wait for him to arrive at the factory before coming over to inquire. This is why Manager Qi rushed over as soon as he returned, as he was extremely anxious and unable to contact him.

After all, everyone knows he has a wide network of information and knows a lot, so the only way to solve this tricky problem is to go to him and see if he has any solutions or suggestions.

When he fell asleep until evening, the captains of the fishing boats in the village returned to shore one after another, and they all agreed to come and find him.

A large, noisy group of people were led to his office by the security guard. He, who was originally patrolling the workshop, also went to his office first.

He told them his original plan.

“You all have small boats. If the fishing ban is really in effect for two months, then you should sail back home early and fish there. There’s no fishing ban policy back home.”

"It's good to go back now. I can leave early and come back late, and stay at home for two months. It's not as comfortable at home as it is outside."

"Where there's a policy, there's a countermeasure. That's how it is. There's no other way. Since the policy of designated pilot fishing moratorium has been issued, everyone can only cooperate. Otherwise, being caught and fined is a small matter, but having your fishing boats impounded is a big deal."

Most of the people listening nodded in agreement.

"We discussed this and decided on the same point yesterday. If fishing is really prohibited, then we'll have no choice but to sail home."

"Everyone just wants to come and listen to what your plans are, to get some reference. If you also sail those fishing boats back, everyone will naturally follow your boats back."

"Sigh, why did this have to happen all of a sudden? Seriously, how much work will this cause, and how much money will we lose?"

Ye Yaodong thought for a moment and said, "It's just a pilot program now. It will probably be officially implemented in two years, and the fishing moratorium will likely be extended. Also, I think it will be difficult for fishing boats to fish across provinces in two years. It will probably be prohibited."

"why?"

"why?"

"Why can't we fish across provinces? It's not like we're bothering them at all."

Everyone immediately erupted in uproar.

After they finished discussing, Ye Yaodong reassured them, "It's because fishery resources are depleted. Otherwise, why would there be a fishing moratorium? Since there's a fishing moratorium, it will definitely restrict fishing boats from other places. Fishing boats from other places are prone to accidents here. If an accident happens, it will be a troublesome matter for the local government and public security. They will have to handle the matter across provinces."

He then went on to talk at length about the disadvantages of fishing boats from other places operating locally, of course from the government's perspective.

If he were the local leader, he would definitely choose to send all the fishing boats from other places away, which would reduce a lot of trouble.

It's difficult to manage fishing boats from other places locally. It's best for the boats to stay where they belong and be subject to local jurisdiction.

After hearing what they said, people were reassured by considering things from their perspective.

In any case, they are outsiders trying to make a living, so they naturally have to abide by the local government's policies.

Right now, it seems they can only do whatever the government says.

Fortunately, Ye Yaodong's ship was going back with them, which was a kind of consolation for them, since everyone was in the same boat.

"Then shall we go back together at the end of next month?"

"Yes, let's go back together at the end of next month."

"Why did you have to do this... I'm too full..."

"Then we'll be going now. As soon as we heard you were back, we rushed over. We're sorry to have delayed you."

"What's the delay? We're all from the same village. It's no big deal if you come over and ask us a few questions. Come on, I'll see you out."

"No need to see us off. Let's walk and enjoy the breeze. The weather is warm and it's really comfortable right now. We can even grab a late-night snack by the roadside before heading back."

"Haha, I can still eat it."

"What's the big deal? Eat and drink as usual. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?"

……

Everyone left, chatting and laughing.

They arrived looking distressed, but left looking relaxed.

When Ye Yaodong woke up, it was already evening. Manager Qi had already left work. He could only wait until the next day to instruct Manager Qi to find out what procedures and permits were needed to obtain the qualification for fishing in international waters.

Entrust this matter to him, and let him arrange for someone to handle it, and it must be done as soon as possible.

"Also, arrange for all the crew members who are still on shore to take the seaman's certificate exam. The factory will reimburse the registration fee for the exam."

"Everyone has to take the test. If they don't pass, they won't be hired without a certificate next year."

Manager Qi was surprised to hear this. "Is it that strict? They won't even hire people without certificates?"

"Yes, let them all take the exam. The factory will reimburse the registration fee. What's so difficult about that? Anyone who wants to be a sailor in the future will definitely need a certificate."

It's definitely too late this year. There's only a little over a month left, and other fishing boats are still at sea, so it's impossible for everyone to get their licenses.

We can't stop the ships from going out to sea just for the sake of taking exams.

However, there is still a whole year from this year to next year, so you can take the exam when you have time, and it will be useful in the next two years.

"Okay, I'll have someone post a notice today."

"What else did you want to say? I forgot. I'll tell you when I think of it. You go and take care of the things we asked you to do, and also arrange the meeting for tomorrow afternoon. I'm taking my wife and kids to Shanghai later. I won't be at the factory today. If anything happens, call Shanghai. I should be back by noon tomorrow."

"Ok."

After Ye Yaodong finished speaking, he walked back to the dormitory.

Lin Xiuqing was carrying luggage to the car when he took it from her. "Go and call the child, I'll take these."

"If you're busy, don't worry about us. We'll just take the boat ourselves."

"I want to go to Shanghai to see the ships too."

"Anyway, there's no rush now. Why not just call and ask? Pick a date, transfer the money, and get the boat back."

"It's not just that one. There are two more ocean-going vessels that are about to be delivered. We need to check on the progress and make some preparations."

"alright."

Ye Chengyang anxiously approached Ye Yaodong, "Dad, if fishing is suspended for two months and we can't catch fish, will we be able to pay our wages?"

"Do you want to lend me your savings to pay my salary?"

He nodded reluctantly, "Okay."

"How much money have you saved?"

"There are over 500!"

Ye Xiaoxi chimed in, "I also have over 500!"

"Hmm, looks like you've saved up quite a bit."

"My brother is several years older than me, but I didn't expect him to be the same age as me."

"That's because my mom took all my money when I was little. And when I was your age, there was nowhere to earn money. We were earning money together at the same time, and our mom also made us save money together. How much more could I have than you?"

"OK then."

Lin Xiuqing patted their heads and said, "Get on the bus quickly, don't just talk. It's only about 500 yuan in total, which isn't even enough for a worker to earn two months' wages. You should keep your money yourselves."

"Workers' wages have gone up again?" Ye Chengyang asked in surprise.

"It increases every year."

"Ah! Then I'll get a raise when I come back to work during summer vacation... Wait, my family can't even pay my salary, how can I get a raise?"

"Sit down and stop nagging. It's none of your business."

Ye Yaodong said, "Don't worry, that little bit of salary is nothing to your dad. Even if the fishing company goes bankrupt, we won't go bankrupt!"

Ye Chengyang chuckled, "Nonsense! The fishing company is a state-owned enterprise, how could it possibly go bankrupt!"

"That's hard to say. Who knows when state ownership might disappear?"

"How can it be!"

"Want to make a bet?"

Ye Chengyang became interested. "What kind of bet?"

I bet you'll work for me for free for 10 years!

"Holy crap! Such a huge bet! Dad, are you serious? What if I win?"

"You won?" Ye Yaodong touched his chin. That was impossible. "If you win, I'll give you double the salary."

Ye Chengyang's eyes lit up, "We want double wages for the boatmen!"

"Heh, quite ambitious, wanting double wages from the boatmen?"

Then he could rest assured, and even if he lost, it wouldn't be a shame.

High returns naturally mean high risks!

Winning means double pay, losing means zero pay – it's fair!

Ye Chengyang was extremely excited, but then a question suddenly occurred to him.

"Dad, who knows when the fishing company will go bankrupt? What if it never goes bankrupt? Will you keep paying me double?"

His eyes sparkled as he said this.

After all, it has been holding up for a while now. His dad bet that the fishing company would go bankrupt, so if it doesn't go bankrupt, then he can keep receiving double the money, right? There has to be a time limit.

"Hey, pay attention, I didn't say the fishing company went bankrupt, I said the fishing company was no longer state-owned."

What does it mean that state-owned enterprises are no longer in existence?

"It means it's no longer a state-owned enterprise."

"That's not state-owned, how could it become private like ours? How is that possible? It's always been state-owned, by the country!"

"So, let's bet on this? Want to?"

Seeing his father's confident expression, Ye Chengyang hesitated again.

"So you're saying I don't dare anymore?"

"Feeling like we're about to be scammed?" He stared at his father. "Dad, how about we bet on the fishing company going bankrupt?"

"No."

"Then I don't want it either!"

He said it himself: his father has a problem!

Ye Chengyang raised his head and sat up straight in the car. "I'm just that smart. Luckily I spotted the trap! If it were my older brother, he would have gambled without even hearing it!"

"What kind of pit?"

He said smugly, "I thought you were betting on the fishing company going bankrupt, but you said no! You were betting on the state going out of business. So I wanted to bet with you on the fishing company going bankrupt, but you wouldn't bet with me. You insisted on betting on the state going out of business! There must be something wrong! I almost got scammed by you."

"Heh, quite clever."

"of course!"

Ye Xiaoxi said, "That was close, Second Brother! You almost had to work for Dad for free for 10 years! That would have been too tragic!"

"That's right, Dad, you're too cruel! You actually want me to work for free for 10 years! 300 yuan a month, that's 900 yuan for my three months of summer and winter vacations."

"Ten years is 9000 yuan! Wow, that's a lot, second brother! Your wit and intelligence saved you 9000 yuan!"

"Wrong! When I grow up, I'll work all year round and earn 3600 a year!"

"Oh, that's even more! Dad's so heartless!"

"I almost got scammed!"

Ye Chengyang was still shaken; so much money…

"Dad, am I not your own son? You still expect me to work for you for free?"

"My factory and fishing boats will belong to you in the future, so what's wrong with working for free now?"

"That's for later, you're not giving it to me now."

"Think beautifully!"

Ye Xiaoxi chuckled, "Dad, since it'll all be ours eventually anyway, why don't you give us more money now?"

"Isn't a piggy bank with over 500 yuan enough for you to spend?"

"That's money I saved up. I don't want to spend it. Give me money to spend."

Lin Xiuqing patted her head, "You're always spending money on lottery tickets, do you want a whip?"

"Humph."

Ye Yaodong drove his motorcycle to take them to the dock, and A Guang also drove his motorcycle to take his wife and children to the dock. They all shipped their motorcycles onto the ship together.

It's really inconvenient to travel around Shanghai without a motorcycle. Bicycles are too slow, and Aqing doesn't know how to drive a car.

Having a motorcycle makes getting around much more convenient.

Once they were on the fishing boat, Ye Yaodong and A Guang began discussing the pilot program for a fishing moratorium.

Everyone else on the ship was talking about it, and they were all cursing. Except for those who weren't directly involved, who didn't seem to care and were just chatting idly.

Ah Guang said, "If there's a fishing moratorium, you'll have to pay a lot of wages for those two months. You have several hundred workers."

"Correct."

"How about we go poach coral? If we do it once, we won't have to do anything else for a whole year!"

"What did you discuss last night?"

"I only found out when I got back yesterday. Then they came to me, and we discussed it. Everyone was quite interested. Since they've already arranged a two-month fishing moratorium, we can't just sit around doing nothing and really take a break. The losses from not working for even a month are huge, let alone two months!"

Ye Yaodong pondered.

"Don't even think about it, there's nothing to think about. Just one trip by boat can earn you over 200 million. That's enough to cover how long we could work!"

Ah Guang continued to persuade him, "This trip shouldn't take too long, but if you really make a profit, it won't matter if you take a month or two off."

“With so many fishing boats, sending one boat to do it would be enough to pay not only two months’ wages, but a year’s wages.”

“Before, as long as there were no natural disasters or man-made calamities, you could make a fortune every day by fishing. Now they’ve got you strangled.”

Ye Yaodong laughed and said, "This is what you call being held hostage? If it were you, wouldn't you be dead?"

"Yes, it's really going to kill me. I just got the boat this year, and then they put me out of fishing for two months. I haven't even made back my investment yet. I'm so angry. And then they suddenly pulled this stunt."

"It's unclear whether it's a ban on near-shore fishing or a complete ban; we'll wait until we find out before making a decision."

"It wasn't explicitly stated, but isn't it obvious that it's a complete ban? It's definitely a fishing moratorium."

"There will be a meeting at the factory tomorrow."

“When I get back tomorrow, I’ll contact my uncle’s family first to see where they usually fish. I wonder if this pilot fishing ban will affect them. If it does, they might consider making a trip there.”

"Then you should try to contact them first; it probably won't be that easy."

"So I need your help. If the phone rings in your area, please pass on the message and tell someone to keep an eye out."

"Ah."


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