Phu Quoc halts scuba diving tours

Phu Quoc halts scuba diving tours for coral protection

Under the announcement of Phu Quoc City’s authorities, the suspension is applied to the Phu Quoc marine sanctuary area in An Thoi Ward. The sanctuary is part of Phu Quoc National Park.

The coral reefs in Phu Quoc

The move followed an inspection by local authorities of the coral reef development in the area on August 16.

According to Phu Quoc City People’s Committee, equipment used for scuba diving tours is quite old and rusty, which has damaged coral reef development and posed possible dangers as well. Concerned agencies will tighten control over the quality of the equipment and strictly fine companies that use equipment that fails to ensure safety requirements.

Swimming and diving were also earlier banned at Mun Island Marine Protected Area in Nha Trang Bay to assess the condition of its shrinking coral reefs.