Local authorities in the central
province of Binh Dinh’s Quy Nhon City are facing difficulties in clearing its
coastline of unplanned aquaculture to prevent shark attacks due to strong
opposition from local fishermen.

Tourists flock to coastal Quy Nhon City, in Binh Dinh Province, where authorities are trying to protect swimmers from shark attacks by removing illegal aquaculture. (Photo: VNS)

Director
of Quy Nhon City Urban Environment Company’s Planning Unit Nguyen Huu Dung said
the company and local authorities were responsible for removing fish and shrimp
rafts and traps just off the city beach over the last six days.

The move
aims to prevent sharks from coming inshore and attacking swimmers. Fish and
shrimps bred on rafts and captured in traps were believed to have attracted
sharks to the shallow water, he said.

“Nine
teams have collected rubbish and 40 large rafts and traps in deep water from Hai
Cang to Gheng Rang Ward and removed tens of small rafts further away from the
beaches,” Dung said.

However,
thousands of rafts, set along the coast by local fishermen, remain unmoved.

Company
worker Nguyen Van Tin said they had tried to carry out their task but had faced
major opposition from local fishermen.

“All we
can do is to collect rubbish floating on the sea,” he said.

Head of
the team Vo Thanh Hai, said local fishermen rowed out in coracles to threaten
workers every time they approached the traps.

“We’ve
tried dozens of times but have failed to be able to dismantle or move the
traps,” he said.

Vice
chairman of Nguyen Van Cu Ward People’s Committee Vo Dinh Lan said it was not an
easy job as many fishermen earned their living from trapping and breeding marine
animals.

He said
support from relevant authorities would help deal with the issue.

Since
mid 2009, 14 people, mostly domestic tourists, have been attacked by sharks
along Quy Nhon’s beaches. Eight of which were attacked last year and half were
hospitalised for treatment.

Three
sharks have been caught, including one weighing more than a tonne. Rescue teams
and warning messages advising swimmers to remain within 10m of the beach have
been implemented as part of the response.

VietNamNet/Viet
Nam News