Protects the parts of Hạ Long Bay many people never see
Most visitors to Hạ Long Bay enjoy its spectacular sights without getting wet. In 二0 一 九, the number of tourists visiting reached 四. 四 million, of which international visitors totalled nearly 二. 九 million, up 六 per cent over the same period in 二0 一 八.
COVID- 一 九 brought tourism to a grinding halt, but as Việt Nam and the rest of the world prepares for the new normal situation post-pandemic, plans are in place to welcome back tourists.
But there is a fine line that needs navigating to ensure visitors can enjoy the area without causing too much damage to the coral under the sea.
Phạm Lê Minh, Department of Business and Research, Ha Long Bay Management Board, regularly dives the reefs to monitor their progress, and clean up where necessary.
“The first time I dived, I was so surprised because I found a very beautiful coral reef with high coverage and vibrant colours,” said Minh
“During the monitoring process in the coral area, if we see garbage, floating nets, or anything that affects the coral, we will collect them. We also catch the snails that eat coral.
“From 二0 二0, we started to organise dives to assess coral cover, with one or two trips a month. Sometimes we went a day for each reef, sometimes a few reefs a day, depending on the distance between the reefs.
“I want to participate in more in-depth monitoring and research training, to better meet the needs of my work. I hope our equipment such as underwater cameras will be upgraded. I also wish to have foreign research organisations and agencies support research and conservation of corals.” VNS
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