Local authorities in the central province of Binh Dinh's Quy Nhon Cityare facing difficulties in clearing its coastline of unplannedaquaculture to prevent shark attacks due to strong opposition from localfishermen.
Director of Quy Nhon City Urban EnvironmentCompany's Planning Unit Nguyen Huu Dung said the company and localauthorities were responsible for removing fish and shrimp rafts andtraps just off the city beach over the last six days.
Themove aims to prevent sharks from coming inshore and attacking swimmers.Fish and shrimps bred on rafts and captured in traps were believed tohave attracted sharks to the shallow water, he said.
"Nineteams have collected rubbish and 40 large rafts and traps in deep waterfrom Hai Cang to Gheng Rang Ward and removed tens of small raftsfurther away from the beaches," Dung said.
However, thousands of rafts, set along the coast by local fishermen, remain unmoved.
Company worker Nguyen Van Tin said they had tried to carry out their task but had faced major opposition from local fishermen.
"All we can do is to collect rubbish floating on the sea," he said.
Head of the team Vo Thanh Hai, said local fishermen rowed out incoracles to threaten workers every time they approached the traps.
"We've tried dozens of times but have failed to be able to dismantle or move the traps," he said.
Vice chairman of Nguyen Van Cu Ward People's Committee Vo Dinh Lan saidit was not an easy job as many fishermen earned their living fromtrapping and breeding marine animals.
He said support from relevant authorities would help deal with the issue.
Since mid 2009, 14 people, mostly domestic tourists, have been attackedby sharks along Quy Nhon's beaches. Eight of which were attacked lastyear and half were hospitalised for treatment.
Threesharks have been caught, including one weighing more than a tonne.Rescue teams and warning messages advising swimmers to remain within 10mof the beach have been implemented as part of the response. /.
Director of Quy Nhon City Urban EnvironmentCompany's Planning Unit Nguyen Huu Dung said the company and localauthorities were responsible for removing fish and shrimp rafts andtraps just off the city beach over the last six days.
Themove aims to prevent sharks from coming inshore and attacking swimmers.Fish and shrimps bred on rafts and captured in traps were believed tohave attracted sharks to the shallow water, he said.
"Nineteams have collected rubbish and 40 large rafts and traps in deep waterfrom Hai Cang to Gheng Rang Ward and removed tens of small raftsfurther away from the beaches," Dung said.
However, thousands of rafts, set along the coast by local fishermen, remain unmoved.
Company worker Nguyen Van Tin said they had tried to carry out their task but had faced major opposition from local fishermen.
"All we can do is to collect rubbish floating on the sea," he said.
Head of the team Vo Thanh Hai, said local fishermen rowed out incoracles to threaten workers every time they approached the traps.
"We've tried dozens of times but have failed to be able to dismantle or move the traps," he said.
Vice chairman of Nguyen Van Cu Ward People's Committee Vo Dinh Lan saidit was not an easy job as many fishermen earned their living fromtrapping and breeding marine animals.
He said support from relevant authorities would help deal with the issue.
Since mid 2009, 14 people, mostly domestic tourists, have been attackedby sharks along Quy Nhon's beaches. Eight of which were attacked lastyear and half were hospitalised for treatment.
Threesharks have been caught, including one weighing more than a tonne.Rescue teams and warning messages advising swimmers to remain within 10mof the beach have been implemented as part of the response. /.
