Numerous international visitors have voiced their disappointment regarding the pollution at the UNESCO heritage site. The Ha Long Bay Management Board attributes the pollution primarily to remnants of broken buoys, bamboo rafts, and floating foam debris.
The floating foam debris on Ha Long Bay (Photo by Minh Duc)
The ongoing replacement of foam buoys in aquaculture farms and the challenge of illegal aquaculture cages in both Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays have contributed to the increase in floating litter.
Le Minh Tan, the deputy head of the board, has stated that environmental workers in 20 boats have been deployed to collect the litter in Ha Long Bay. “We plan to strengthen inspections to address environmental violations in Ha Long Bay and will continue to remove rubbish to safeguard the UNESCO heritage site,” Tan explained.
The move came after many foreign tourists expressed disappointment over the pollution at the bay.
Patricia Mayerhofer, an Australian traveller, recently posted about her trip to Ha Long and Lan Ha bays. She noted the areas' beauty was dismayed by the widespread rubbish.
She also mentioned a slight oily layer in the sea. Many other foreigners echoed her sentiments, sharing similar experiences at Ha Long Bay.
"I saw the same; it's horrible," commented another visitor.
Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, which specialises in organising cruise services in Ha Long, recounted a complaint from a group of 10 French tourists who embarked on a two-day and one-night cruise in Ha Long in January. They appreciated the bay's stunning scenery but were disheartened by the pollution.
Environmental pollution has become a significant deterrent in the bay. Tourists report litter stuck in rock crevices and floating on the sea's surface, discouraging swimming. These issues are frequently discussed on tourism forums.
The Institute for Tourism Development Research has reported that approximately four tonnes of predominantly plastic waste, discharged into Ha Long Bay daily.