Ca Mau puts Hon Khoai, Hon Chuoi, and Hon Da Bac island clusters into marine reserves

Mr. Huynh Quoc Viet, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ca Mau province, said: The establishment of the conservation area aims to protect and conserve aquatic resources, marine species, rare and endangered species, species of economic and scientific value living in the conservation area; protect the environment and ecosystems, natural landscapes; conserve marine biodiversity associated with sustainable ecotourism development, improve the livelihoods of local fishing communities, contribute to the development of the marine economy ; increase community participation in the conservation and development of marine biodiversity.

A corner of Hon Khoai, Ca Mau province. Photo: Camau.gov.vn

Specifically, preserving natural, unique and important ecosystems such as: coral reefs of Hon Chuoi and Hon Hang islands; preserving biodiversity and unique natural landscapes of Hon Khoai, Hon Chuoi and Hon Da Bac island clusters to serve scientific research, education, ecotourism, adventure tourism and resorts.

Restoring and regenerating the natural and artificial coral reef ecosystem in degraded areas around Hon Chuoi and Hon Hang islands. Protecting, restoring and developing populations of endemic and rare species of conservation value, especially migratory species such as yellow-tailed lizards, Hon Khoai squirrels, pigeons, white-bellied sea eagles, branch corals, rock lobsters, table oysters, pearl oysters...; protecting aquatic species: mantis shrimp, glass shrimp, bottle fish, sardines, sole, sole, herring, white goby, sardines, mullet, white pomfret, anchovies, herring, starfish... in the coastal areas east of Hon Khoai and west of Ngoc Hien.

Conservation objects include: coral ecosystems, breeding grounds, spawning grounds and aquatic species living in the conservation area, especially rare species and species of economic and scientific value.

Mr. Phan Hoang Vu, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ca Mau province informed: "In the immediate future, the province will prioritize investment in building essential infrastructure; implementing communication programs and projects, transforming livelihoods and developing communities".

For the ecosystem restoration program and project, research will be conducted and ex situ conservation will be applied to restore and preserve rare species; artificial reefs will continue to be released as shelters and habitats for aquatic species; and a conservation program for yellow-tailed lizards and cotton squirrels will be developed on Hon Khoai Island.

According to the establishment decision, the type of conservation area is a provincial-level species-habitat conservation area. The Ca Mau Provincial Marine Protected Area covers the sea area surrounding the Hon Khoai, Hon Chuoi and Hon Da Bac island clusters, with a total area of 27,000 hectares. Of which, the functional sub-zones cover 18,000 hectares (strictly protected sub-zone 3,000 hectares, ecological restoration sub-zone 11,230 hectares and service-administrative sub-zone 3,970 hectares) and a buffer zone of 9,000 hectares.

Source: https://laodong.vn/moi-truong/ca-mau-dua-cum-dao-hon-khoai-hon-chuoi-hon-a-bac-vao-khu-bao-ton-bien-1359070.ldo