Authorities in Dam Ha commune in northeastern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province have dismantled more than 1,000 substandard styrofoam floats used in aquaculture, as part of efforts to curb marine pollution and promote sustainable seafood production.
On March 24, local officials launched inspections targeting floating devices that fail to meet technical standards in aquaculture operations.
A task force overseeing tidal flats and coastal waters surveyed the Cuong Island–Bim Bim area, formerly part of Dai Binh commune, a key aquaculture zone where non-compliant styrofoam floats remain in use.
More than 1,000 buoys were found to violate regulatory standards, authorities said. Styrofoam floats can degrade under prolonged exposure to waves and sunlight, releasing microplastics into seawater.
Officials said the campaign also aims to encourage farmers to replace styrofoam with approved materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) buoys, which are considered more durable and environmentally compliant. The transition is required under current regulations and aligns with tightening seafood export standards, they added.
A representative of the Dam Ha People’s Committee said confiscated materials would be handled in accordance with environmental regulations to prevent further contamination.
Authorities said inspections would continue, with penalties imposed on violations, as part of broader efforts to improve environmental compliance in the aquaculture sector.
VFM
