In Laizhou, fisherman Zhao Zhonghua in his late 30s has been surviving on a diet of noodles for more than three weeks. "I haven't been out to the sea for so many days and don't have much money left. I don't want to spend any money on vegetables or meat," he said.

Zhao is one of five fishermen who have stayed with their boats at the city's Haimiao Harbor, together with other 17 boats. Most of the other fishermen who work for Changyi Fleet left for home weeks ago.

"I need to sail and earn some money so my family can have a good Spring Festival," said Qin Linsen, who is in his 40s and is one of those anxiously waiting for the ice to disappear. His colleague Li Bo, who is in his 40s, added: "I have been on the boat for more than 20 days. I miss home."

The men fear the floating ice will damage their boats and cables, although the local authorities have helped fasten cables and cover boats with tires, said a fisherman who declined to give his name.

The ice melted slightly on Jan 23 when the temperature rose and some fishermen attempted to take their boats out to sea. None of them traveled very far as the vessels struggled in the frozen water. Other fishermen stayed on land for fear of damaging their boats.

"I have been fishing in this harbor for more than 10 years and it is the first time I have seen ice this bad," a worried Li Dongzhi told China Daily. "There is much more ice and it also appeared much earlier. My boat has not been anywhere for more than a month - but this is the best time to catch fish."

In nearby Sanshandao Harbor, 60 boats went out to the sea at about 9 am on Jan 23. All returned the next morning.

Lin Gang said he brought back 400 kg of shrimp and fish. Smiling, he explained that, because of the ice, prices of most seafood had risen 40 or even 60 percent at Laizhou market.

Wang Shanshan and Liu Ce contributed to the story

(China Daily 01/27/2010 page7)