Ignorance destroys Vietnam's coral reefs

VietnamNews 16 Sep 09;

HA NOI — Many people understand that Viet Nam’s coral reefs are a precious natural resource, yet few are aware that in approximately 20 years the reefs may be ruined by human exploitation, according to Dr Nguyen Huy Yet of the Viet Nam National Museum of Nature.

These "tropical rain forests of the sea" are home to a variety of fish and other saltwater creatures and have been known to cure a myriad of different diseases.

However, according to a recent survey carried out by the Viet Nam Institute of Oceanography, the coral reefs now might be facing their biggest-threat to date. People continue to trespass into nature preserve areas like Hon Mun (Khanh Hoa), Cat Ba (Hai Phong), Phu Quoc (Kien Giang), Con Co Island (Quang Tri), Cham Island (Quang Nam) and Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) to steal pieces of coral. They then use the coral to make handicrafts to sell to tourists and merchants in HCM City.

The situation is most alarming in Van Ninh sea (Khanh Hoa) where hundreds of people are using mines to catch fish, which inflict massive damage to the reefs. Other factors that lead to the destruction of coral include sea contamination, over fishing and mangrove forest destruction, said Yet.

The Government has recently been paying more attention to this issue. Their solutions to the problem, which include an awareness campaign and restricting access to certain areas, have yet to be effective, said Yet.

He is saddened by the destruction of the coral because Viet Nam’s tropical climate is suitable to develop the rare natural resource.

In order to protect the coral, Yet suggests preserving endangered areas that would be monitored by security forces.

He also recommends creating favourable conditions in order to grow new coral, which could be done on slabs of concrete, outdated fishing boats or other solid material.

Most importantly, Yet recommends creating enforceable and detailed laws on coral protection. — VNS