Over the past 9 years, apart from conducting fishing activities in Viet Nam’s waters, a group of fishermen in Da Nang has actively engaged in protecting coral reefs off the Son Tra Peninsula through their practical and meaningful activities.

The stunning beauty of coral reefs off the peninsula

The sea off the Son Tra Peninsula contains colourful coral reefs and a valuable diversified ecosystem which is considered a blue pearl of Da Nang and a wonderful gift of nature in the city.  The coral reefs here boast pristine natural beauty, and they are as beautiful as those off Nha Trang City or Quang Nam Province’s Cu Lao Cham Islands.

Mr Nguyen Dinh, the group’s leader, and his group’s members usually detect and report to relevant local agencies about any violations which might adversely affect the regeneration and growth of coral reefs off the peninsula.  Included are the discharges of untreated wastewater into the sea, and illegal marine exploitation activities, and the over-exploitation and unreasonable use of marine resources.

In addition, the group has become actively involved in raising awareness of safeguarding seafood resources and coral reefs amongst local residents, and those who participate in diving tours to explore the underwater world at the Bai But and Bai Bac beaches.

Over recent years, the rapid growth of the city’s economy has impacted on the local diversified ecosystem, especially on coral reefs, sea grasses, biological resources and the environmental quality in local coastal areas.  Being aware of such issues, the Son Tra District border guard forces have enthusiastically encouraged the local citizens to protect near-shore seafood resources and coral reefs in an effective manner.