The province stated that the funds will be used to rebuild coral reefs, sea weed and aquatic species, raise awareness among community members of the need for marine protection and support fishermen living in the core zone of the strictly protected area in the MPA in changing their livelihoods.
The funds will also aim to conserve over-exploited unique seafood products, including abalone, holothurian, giant clam and pearls, which are threatened with extinction.
According to the Ly Son MPA management board, the Ly Son MPA was one of 16 nationwide MPAs that were approved by the Prime Minister in a Master Plan to 2020.
The MPA, which covers more than 7,900ha, including 7,113ha of sea water, is home to 700 marine fauna species (coral reefs, fish, seaweed and crustaceans), of which 25 are endangered or in danger of extinction.
More than 400ha of land on the island had been seriously eroded by rising sea levels in the past 40 years.
