Securing the coral reef ecosystem in Phu Quoc

According to Kien Giang Provincial Association for Environmental Protection of Nature and Environment, in the program of monitoring natural resources and environment in Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area of ​​Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography, the area of ​​coral in this area is now bleached. 56.6% (the phenomenon of dead coral).

The cause is an increase in abnormal sea temperature, in which the western area of ​​Hon Thom and Ganh Dau has the highest rate of bleaching, about 90%. The core zone of marine conservation includes Hon Vong, Gam Ghi, Hon Xuong and Hon Mong islands, bleached corals of 20-40% of the area.

In addition, the decline in the area of ​​coral reefs is also due to the destructive exploitation of human beings such as the use of chemicals, the exploitation of live corals, garbage, anchoring boats .

Specifically, in the past 3 years, Kien Giang functional departments have discovered and handled confiscation of more than 2 tons of corals, including many rare and precious ones. The situation of illegal exploitation and serious invasion of coral reefs continues to be complicated and has not been thoroughly prevented.

Phu Quoc MPA Management Board implemented a number of urgent measures to protect corals such as strengthening propaganda, raising awareness of people and social communities; promote patrol, control, strict protection of Phu Quoc MPA; research, assess the decline and conduct some scientific measures to restore coral reefs in bleached areas; implementing the environmental monitoring program for water quality and natural resources of marine ecosystems .

Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area covers an area of ​​more than 26,800 ha, of which the area of ​​strict protection is nearly 3,000 ha, the ecological restoration area is 13,592 ha and the development area is 10,317 ha.

Phu Quoc Marine Protected Area is located in the northeast, southeast and south of An Thoi archipelago in Phu Quoc district. In particular, an area of ​​6,825 ha seagrass conservation area belongs to 2 communes of Ham Ninh and Bai Thom; coral conservation area 9,740 ha is located around the islands of An Thoi archipelago in Hon Thom commune.

Along with seagrass beds, coral reefs are considered 'undersea forests' , with the potential to develop marine tourism. This is a place to live and develop different groups and species of aquatic life.

Through surveys and research on marine waters, Phu Quoc has identified 108 coral species of both hard corals and soft corals, 135 species of coral reef fish, 3 migratory fish species, 132 large mollusc species living in coral reefs, 9 crustaceans, 32 echinoderms and 6 marine mammals live and feed.

Especially rare species of dugong (Dugong) in the list of endangered species need to be strictly protected.