New findings on biodiversity and living resources in water regions surrounding Bach Long Vi, Con Co and Tho Chu islands

Abstract

From surveys and analyses of the ecosystems and environments in the water regions surrounding the islands including Bach Long Vi (Hai Phong), Con Co (Quang Tri) and Tho Chu (Kien Giang) from 2012 to 2014 within the framework of the project KC09.08/11-15, some new findings had been recorded on biodiversity and living resources as well as human activities having negative impact on living resources and degrading the ecosystems. In the water region surrounding Bach Long Vi island, 24 new coral species were added to hard coral community and one Sipunculus nudus species was firstly recorded, adding to the list of living resources of the island. Fifteen species of hard corals and 11 species of soft corals were firstly found in the water region surrounding Con Co island. One Tridacna crocea species was at the first time recorded as a living resource in Con Co island, and 8 species of soft coral with the potentials of biological active substances were also recorded. In the marine water region of Tho Chu island, the total 17 new coral species and one Actinopyga sp. species were firstly added to the list of living resources and being also exploited with fishing tools that may destruct the marine ecosystem.