The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has coordinated with Thailand to place artificial reefs in waters around Phu Quoc island to restore, preserve, and develop local fisheries resources.

A corner of Phu Quoc island

The pilot project, which was approved by the Kien Giang People’s Committee in October 2017, received the consultation of the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography.

Quang Trong Thao, Vice Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that Kien Giang has sent officials to Thailand to learn their experience in placing artificial reefs.

Meanwhile, the Thai side has also sent its experts to Kien Giang to survey the site and choose locations for placing artificial reefs. Along with providing technical support for Kien Giang, Thailand will give the province financial assistance in buying materials for the construction of the artificial reefs and necessary equipment.

The total cost of the project is about 8 billion VND, including 3 billion VND provided by Thailand.

The Thailand Department of Fisheries has agreed with the procedure of placing artificial reefs designed by the Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography and Thai experts.

In 2007, Kien Giang formed a Phu Quoc maritime reserve in 2007, which covers 26,860ha. It aims to protect the ecosystem in Phu Quoc, including the coral, sea grass, mangrove forest, as well as the rare flora and fauna species. –VNA