Efforts to deal with cages encroaching on shipping lanes

Many units work together to handle

In recent years, in Cam Ranh Bay area, the situation of aquaculture cages encroaching on the shipping channel has not been completely resolved. Through inspection, Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority recorded: On the right side of Ba Ngoi shipping channel (from buoy 7 to buoy 9), there are many plastic barrels tied together, encroaching on the shipping channel for about 20m. On the left side of the channel (from buoy 4 to buoy 8), there are many plastic buoys and cages tied together, encroaching on about 67m into the shipping channel; the section from buoy 8 to buoy 10 is encroached on about 100m.

Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority regularly inspects and encourages people not to encroach on shipping lanes in Cam Ranh Bay.

At the branch channel leading to Cam Ranh International Port, aquaculture activities have occupied the entire width of the channel. At the branch channel leading to Cam Ranh Grinding Station Port, the area has been encroached on about half of the width. In particular, the branch channel leading to the liquefied gas port of Hong Moc Private Enterprise for Production and Trading Services has been encroached on the entire width by mussel farmers; the turning area in front of the port of this enterprise has also been encroached on about 1/3 of the area.

The leaders of Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority said that the situation of aquaculture encroaching on maritime works poses a potential risk to maritime safety and security and causes environmental pollution. Especially when the weather is bad, storms, mobilizing ships to anchor and take shelter is difficult and dangerous. In fact, there have been a number of collisions between ships entering and leaving Ba Ngoi waterway with cages and rafts, causing significant damage to people.

Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority has organized many meetings with relevant agencies, units, local authorities and enterprises to find solutions. In August 2024, the unit organized a signing ceremony to coordinate with the Department of Transport (now the Department of Construction), Cam Ranh City People's Committee, South Central Coast Maritime Safety Company and 6 port enterprises, implementing a plan to handle illegal aquaculture activities encroaching on maritime works, navigation channels, anchorage areas and waters in front of ports in Cam Ranh Bay area.

Achieve positive results

According to the representative of Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority, after signing the coordination agreement, relevant agencies and units have clearly defined responsibilities in implementing the relocation of aquaculture cages; local authorities have actively supported the handling; people have become more aware of the harmful effects of encroachment on shipping channels. Up to now, on the shared shipping channel (public channel), 9 cage owners have relocated, there is no longer encroachment; only a few cages are outside the channel. At anchorage area D and specialized branch channels to ports such as Cam Ranh Cement Factory, Hong Moc Production Service Trading Private Enterprise, Cam Ranh International Port, after the mobilization process, more than 10 cage owners have voluntarily relocated; aquaculture density has significantly decreased, more open than in 2024.

The shipping lane in Cam Ranh Bay is still encroached by aquaculture cages.

Mr. Tran Tuan Hiep - Director of Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority said that immediately after discovering cases of encroachment on maritime works, the unit coordinated with local authorities, management and operation units of the works to propagate and handle; at the same time, requesting units to proactively implement measures to ensure maritime safety.

In addition, Nha Trang Maritime Port Authority also proposed that the Provincial People's Committee soon approve the planning of the aquaculture area in Cam Ranh Bay to ensure that aquaculture activities comply with the law and do not affect maritime activities. In the coming time, the unit will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen inspections to promptly detect and prevent violations; at the same time, mobilize people to relocate and sign a commitment not to repeat the offense.

Van Ky

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202504/no-luc-xu-ly-long-be-lan-chiem-luong-hang-hai-c274824/