Impact on East Sea environment discussed

The East Sea environment and people’s conduct were discussed at a scientific symposium in the northern port city of Hai Phong on August 8.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Khac Nam said that the symposium offered a venue for both domestic and international delegates to discuss negative impact of people’s activities on the maritime resources and environment in the East Sea.

Delegates agreed that excessive fishing, transportation and constructions have affected negatively the ecological environment, economic resources from sea and people’s health.

Edgardo D.Gomez from the Marine Science Institute under the University of the Philippines said that China’s recent large-scale constructions on islands in the East Sea and destructive fishing activities have directly affected the ecosystem and caused a risk of extinction of some species such as several sea turtles, sharks, and giant clam (Tridacna gigas).

He suggested the nations involved end actions harming the bio-diversity on the East Sea waters, and prevent the exploitation of the species facing high risk of extinction.

Meanwhile, head of the Human Ecology Department under the Free University of Brussels Luc Hens and Director of the Vietnam Institute of Maritime Medicine Tran Dinh Lan delivered reports on impact of oil spills on the ecosystem and public health.

At the event, participants also exchanged views on issues related to maritime security and safety in the East Sea.

They proposed that the countries involved and the international community coordinate to address the issues on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

VNA