BINH DINH, Vietnam (10 Sep 2004) -- Scientists have developed new methods to replenish much of the coral reef and sea grass off the coasts of central Viet Nam. Researchers from the National Oceanography Institute, after a three-year study, have developed two ways of re-planting coral in Binh Dinh and Khanh Hoa provinces, two of Viet Nam's richest coral areas. "Re-growing coral reef is very expensive and lengthy and requires hard labour, but it is important to protect the sea environment and continue to develop marine resources," said Dr. Vo Si Tuan, deputy director of the Institute of Oceanography, based in Nha Trang. In one method, coral seeds are planted in dead reefs in strategic locations, considered the cheapest and most desirable method. The other more expensive and labour-intensive method, which creates conditions similar to the natural environment, grows coral on iron stakes in a cement foundation. Scientists developed the techniques following research in Ha Long Bay near the northern province of Quang Ninh and in Van Phong Bay near Khanh Hoa province. Over the past decade, the coral and seagrass ecosystem in central Viet Nam has been adversely affected from the heavy use of dynamite and electricity by fishermen. Other causes include pollution from untreated industrial and household waste, erosion from coastal lands, and improper anchoring of boats and ships. The growing numbers of crown of thorn starfish, who eat coral, have also damaged the coral reef. Seaweed over-growth, which competes with seagrass for land area, is another factor. The Oceanography Institute began its studies in 2001 with Russia's Sea Biology Institute, growing 10 kinds of coral and seagrass in the lab. After six months, researchers discovered that the coral and seagrass grew as it did in a natural environment. In 2002, the scientists began to plant coral in an area of 100 hectares in the sea of Hon Ngang region near Binh Dinh province, where a great deal of coral had been destroyed. Researchers said it costs about US$10,000 to $26,000 per hectare to grow coral on dead reefs, and the cement foundation method requires about $200,000 for one square kilometre. The coral grew about two to six centimetres each year, and now covers three times the original area in Binh Dinh Province. As part of the project, institute researchers also trained farmers. "This remarkable result is due to the participation of the fishermen community in the Hon Ngang region. When the local residents also recognise the importance of preserving coral, the sea environment will be protected," Tuan said. | | At least 20ha of coral reef in the Hon Ngang area are now officially protected, and fishing is not allowed. The institute planted two of the 20ha, which helped increase the number of fish as well. To raise awareness about the issue, the Binh Dinh authorities plan to create a preservation area in the Hon Ngang region. Sea grass cultivation In 1997, institute researcher Dr Nguyen Huu Dai began studying seagrass and later developed methods of re-planting the grass, considered an important biological component in the sea eco-system. Seagrass thrives near the coast, where it helps prevent erosion, acts as a polluting filter, and provides an environment where hundreds of kinds of marine animals live, grow and reproduce. During Dai's research, from 1997 to 2002, 80 hectares of seagrass were destroyed, leaving 785 hectares in 2002. The major causes for the loss were fishing with dynamite, housing construction in coastal areas and shrimp breeding. Breeders must dig holes where seagrass grows to grow the shrimp. In 2002, Dai and his colleagues started re-planting seagrass in the Thuy Trieu lagoon in Cam Ranh Town in Khanh Hoa District. More than 40ha of grass grew, but about 20 per cent has since been destroyed from the illegal use of dynamite for fishing. To preserve seagrass and coral, institute scientists said local communities must be given the right to manage surface water and should create local preservation regulations, based on voluntary participation. A core area should also be created to protect fish, where fishing will not be allowed, and surrounding areas should be strictly regulated. State laws must also be developed, scientists said. The research was carried out under a larger national project, named KC 09.07, whose aim is to improve the sea environment for aquatic breeding and to protect and restore the ecosystem for coral reef and sea grass. The national scientific project received VND2.8 billion ($180,000) from the State budget. SOURCE - VNS |
