After discussions among relevant agencies and parties, Quang Ninh localities have decided that in order to avoid creating strong waves that would affect the islet, the ships going through the Trong Mai Islet area must not run at a speed of over 10 kilometers per hour and must keep a constant distance of at least 70 meters between the ships and the islet.

The Quang Ninh Department of Transport said the agency is having buoys designed which will be installed around the islet as boundary markers. The buoys will be placed at least 70 meters away from Trong Mai Islet.

Asked how to restrict ships’ speed at no more than 10 kilometers per hour, the transport department has assigned the Inland Waterway Port Authority, the Ha Long Bay Management Board, and relevant units to promote the new policy and remind ship owners and captains about the maximum speed.

Prior to that, the Institute of Geosciences and Minerals under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) carried out a research project on assessing the current status and factors that may affect Trong Mai Islet. 

The study served as a basis for agencies to suggest solutions to preserve the islet and Ha Long Bay, and design incoming/outgoing routes to and from the areas for observation and taking pictures; protect and the minimum distance of 50 meters with Trong Mai Islet, restricting the boat and ship’s speed when going through the area at below 10 kilometers within a radius of 200 meters.

The survey by the Institute of Geosciences and Minerals (IGM) found that Trong Mai Islet comprises two rocky blocks, shaped as a cock and a hen, with the height of 13.9 meters. The parts for legs of the fowl are narrow, creating a precarious posture. 

Affected by geological and tectonic activities for hundreds of years and the impact of seawater, Trong Mai islet is separated into many small blocks, of which 40 are at risk of landslide or falling.

IGM’s scientists, who carried out an investigation with advanced equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles, have confirmed the figure.

The Quang Ninh Department of Science and Technology said it has sent a document to the provincial People’s Committee, suggesting scheduling and arranging routes, times and circulation speed for the means of transport so as to minimize the impacts of erosion and corrosion, which affects the safety and stability of the Trong Mai Islet.

Pham Cong