Cà Mau Province to establish marine reserve

Hòn Chuối Island in Cà Mau Province. – VNA/VNS Photo Huỳnh Anh

CÀ MAU – The southernmost province of Cà Mau has decided to establish a marine reserve covering more than 27,000ha, part of which will surround the island cluster of Hòn Khoai, Hòn Chuối and Đá Bạc.

The reserve will have a 3,000ha strictly protected zone, a 11,230ha ecological restoration zone, 3,970ha service/administrative zone and a 9,000ha buffer zone, according to the province People’s Committee.

The reserve aims to protect and preserve aquatic resources, marine species, rare and endangered species, species with economic and scientific value, the environment, ecosystem and natural landscape.

It will preserve marine biodiversity associated with sustainable eco-tourism development, improve the livelihoods of local fishing communities, contribute to the development of the marine economy, and strengthen the participation of communities in preserving and developing marine biodiversity.

It will preserve coral reefs in Hòn Chuối and Hòn Hàng islands, the biodiversity and natural landscapes of Hòn Khoai, Hòn Chuối and Đá Bạc islands, and serve scientific research, education, eco-tourism, adventure tourism and relaxation.

Huỳnh Quốc Việt, chairman of the People’s Committee, said the province would prioritise investing in essential infrastructure and implementing communication programmes and projects, livelihood transformation and community development.

It would release artificial reefs to provide shelter for aquatic species and develop a programme to conserve Hòn Khoai squirrels and psychedelic rock geckos, two indigenous species in Hòn Khoai Island, he said.

The People’s Committee had assigned the Fisheries Surveillance Sub-department to co-operate with relevant agencies to manage the reserve, he said.

The province has a large fishing ground covering 80,000 sq.km and it is one of the country’s four important fishing grounds.

However, the province is facing difficulties such as the overexploitation of aquatic resources and the impact of climate change causing a decline in the quality of ecological environment. – VNS