Releasing of prawns in Thuận An seagate in central Thừa Thiên- Huế Province. Photo courtesy of the department |
THỪA THIÊN- HUẾ — As many as 2,000 giant tiger prawns have been released into waters off central Thừa Thiên-Huế Province in an attempt to help marine resources recover from overexploitation.
The province’s Department of Fishery on Wednesday released the prawns into the sea near the locality’s Thuận An beach.
The prawns released were mature and had the ability to breed in a natural environment. The department expects the population of prawns in local seas to increase after a long period of overexploitation by the fishing sector in the recent years.
The department said the release was also aimed at educating local fishermen on sustainable fishing.
Earlier this week, the department collaborated with authorities in the Phú Đa commune, located on the local coast, to release 2,000 crabs for the same purpose.
The department said this week’s releases were part of celebrations for World Oceans Day, which happens on June 8.
Recent reports by the department show a drastic drop in fish populations in local seas due to overexploitation and changes in the natural habitat.
In April 2016, Taiwanese steel plant Formosa, located in central Hà Tĩnh Province, released toxic chemicals into the sea, killing large numbers of fish in four neighboring provinces, including Thừa Thiên-Huế.
Recent government reports said fish from the area are now safe for consumption. However, the government has cautioned against mass fishing, especially with regard to species that live near the ocean floor. — VN