Coral reefs around the world have been seriously degraded over the past 20 years and Vietnam’s are no exception. These ecosystems, which are vital to sustaining oceanic biodiversity, are very sensitive to changing ocean temperatures and destructive human activities. Experts warn that within 20 years, Vietnam may not have any left.
According to DTI News, only 1% of the reefs along Vietnam’s coastline are still pristine (defined as having 76 - 100% coral cover). 31% are in “poor condition” (defined as having 0 – 10% coral cover).
“Currently, 96% of Vietnam's coral reefs have been badly affected by human activity, 75% of those face extinction.
In recent years, fishermen in Danang have used upgraded nets, causing tremendous damage to coastal reefs. The damage to the reefs off Son Tra Peninsula are prime examples to this fact.
Other coastal cities and provinces, such as Khanh Hoa and Ba Ria-Vung Tau face the problem of illegal exploitation of coral reefs. They have used both simple tools and heavy equipment, such as dredgers, which contribute to destroy rare ecosystems. Each year, Vietnam has lost over 50 tonnes of coral due to such fishing practices.”
Experts offered up solutions to protect the remaining coral reefs including projects to manage and develop the reefs and create programs to raise awareness about their economic benefits.
Vietnam has a diverse set of reefs, from north to south:
“Among 800 coral types discovered in the world, Vietnam has an estimated 340 types. 205 types of hard coral and 27 types of soft coral were found at Ha Long Bay. In Con Dao Island, 219 types of coral have flourished, providing a habitat for 160 types of coral reef fish.”
According to the World Resource Institute (WRI), Southeast Asia is “considered the global epicenter of marine diversity.” Its coral reefs represent 34% of the world's total and are home to over 600 of the 800 reef-building coral species in the world.
Not only are they of vital natural importance, but also economic with the WRI reporting that Southeast Asia’s reefs bring in $2.4 billion annually.
Given their significance, hopefully something is done soon to better protect them.
[DTI News // Photo via Joshua Nguyen]
