Ha Long Bay struggles with environmental pollution

The meeting (Photo: QTV)

The Ha Long Bay Management Board on July 8th held a meeting to discuss environmental protection in the face of pollution caused by various vessels operating in its waters.

According to a report prepared by the board, there are 527 cruise ships currently operating in Ha Long Bay, of which 89 staying overnight. Domestic waste from cruise ships are collected and gathered at the ports for treatment.

However, the practice of directly dumping untreated waste into the bay’s waters continues, especially bilge and liquid waste from cruise ships, the report says.

Besides, there are hundreds of fishing and cargo vessels, and petrol tankers operating in the bay. The report says there are many difficulties in inspecting and monitoring compliance with environmental protection regulations.

At the meeting, the delegates proposed several solutions to protect Ha Long Bay’s environment, including: reviewing plans and rearranging ports and anchor locations of waterway vehicles to sync them with the infrastructure for collection and treatment of waste from ships; enhancing inspections, testing and handling of violations by vessels operating in the bay; strengthening education and communication to raise community awareness about environmental and heritage protection.

On the basis of the opinions expressed at the meeting, the Ha Long Bay Management Board will advise the province on environmental protection regulations for vessels operating in the bay./.