In order to protect, revive, and develop aquatic resource, since the end of 2019, Quang Ninh’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has implemented the project of building artificial reef with an area of 8,700 m2 in Co To sea.
To date, 500 growing medium have been released into 2 locations on Little Co To Island and at Hon Khoi Islet, Dong Tien Commune. Each location covers an area of 2,900m2, including 300m2 for planting coral and 2,600m for artificial reef.
After dropping concrete blocks, setting up artificial reef, and seeding, survival rate of coral reaches more than 80%. The corals well develop and attract fish and mollusk, forming a new habitat for high-value benthos.
As planned, once the project in the period of 2018 -2019 finishes in Dec., 2020, nearly 9,000 artificial coral reefs will be established, creating a foundation for corals to develop and contributing to reviving biodiversity at northeastern district of the country. It also helps increasing income and creating sustainable livelihood for locals easing the burden on natural eco-system which have been degraded.
Translated by Quynh Trang
