Kien Giang (VNA) – The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has coordinated with Thailandto place artificial reefs in waters around Phu Quoc island to restore, preserve,and develop local fisheries resources.
The pilot project,which was approved by the Kien Giang People’s Committee in October 2017, receivedthe consultation of the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography.
Quang Trong Thao, ViceDirector of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,said that Kien Giang has sent officials to Thailand to learn their experiencein placing artificial reefs.
Meanwhile, the Thaiside has also sent its experts to Kien Giang to survey the site and chooselocations for placing artificial reefs. Along with providing technical supportfor Kien Giang, Thailand will give the province financial assistance in buyingmaterials for the construction of the artificial reefs and necessary equipment.
The total cost of theproject is about 8 billion VND, including 3 billion VND provided by Thailand.
The ThailandDepartment of Fisheries has agreed with the procedure of placing artificialreefs designed by the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography and Thai experts.
In 2007, KienGiang formed a Phu Quoc maritime reserve in 2007, which covers 26,860ha. Itaims to protect the ecosystem in Phu Quoc, including the coral, sea grass, mangroveforest, as well as the rare flora and fauna species. –VNA