Some 191 species of stiff, three species of soft coral, 72 species of seaweed and other floral species around Son Tra peninsula in the central city of Da Nang are being killed by illegal activities.

Coral in Son Tra sea.

Da Nang’s Agriculture and Rural Development Department director Tran Van Hao has said that the city decided to zone and ban aquatic catching and coral exploitation in the sea area around Son Tra peninsula.

According to the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute’s research, the sea from Hon Chao to south Hai Van and around Son Tra peninsula in Da Nang city has 191 species of stiff, three species of soft coral, 3 species of seaweed, 72 species of alga, 53 species of invertebrates, 221 fugitive floral species and others. However, these floral and fauna species, especially the coral, are facing extinction because of illegal exploitation of coral and aquatic animals.

Fishing on Son Tra peninsula.

Hao said that in 2007 Da Nang approved the policy to zone for protection of around 4,000ha of sea, from Hon Chao to south Hai Van and around Son Tra peninsula. Since June 2009, the city has strictly protected nearly 100ha of sea area belonging to Hon Sup, Bai But, Huc Lo, Vung Da and Dong Bai Bac.

VietNamNet/VNE