GreenHub/GreenBays Project: Piloting environmental friendly solutions for floating materials in aquaculture

In recent coastal waste surveys conducted by the Ha Long – Cat Ba Alliance, the main types of waste include polystyrenes from marine aquaculture areas and plastic waste from tourism activities and fishing boats. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and GreenHub in 2016 and 2017, polystyrenes account for 50-70% of marine waste found in coastal cleanup events.

In order to limit this situation, on December 28, 2018, in Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province, GreenHub cooperated with the International Collaborating Centre for Aquaculture and Fisheries Sustainability (ICAFIS) to organize the workshop. “Environment-friendly solution for floating materials in aquaculture in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay” to introduce to the parties related to solutions to restrain polystyrenne waste in the marine environment, aquaculture areas on Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long. The  workshop was attended by: General Department of Fisheries – Department of Aquaculture, Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay Management Board and Bai Tu Long National Park Management Board, Fisheries Association of Quang Ninh Province , Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba National Park, aquaculture farmers in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, Maritime University (Hai Phong), Vietnam Sea culture Association (VSA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Environmental Magazine – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, VTV2 TV station.

This solution is called “LINE-X PAINT”, LINE-X Paint (Made from USA) has been tested and applied on US Navy submarines, in automotive paint, civil, industrial and commercial applications. LINE – X is sustainable with most types of acidic solvents, high humidity, saltwater or extreme temperatures (high or low temperature); is a corrosion protection coating for all types of surfaces in industry and commerce, help extend the life of items from 7-10 years. When applying LINE-X paint to the surface, the paint will act as a jacket covered for styro foam buoys, increasing the durability of styro foam buoys (impact, compression, pulling, water proof) to increase durability and still ensure the buoyancy of styro foam buoys.

The purpose of the workshop is to introduce Line-X coating solution for styrofoam buoys used in floating aquaculture farms. The workshop also started a pilot model using styrofoam buoys -coated Line-X paint for some floating aquaculture households in Ha Long bay and Bai Tu Long bay. The solution for this floating material is expected to be a useful solution in protecting the marine environment from polystyrene waste and contributing to the sustainable development of the region.

Image of the stakeholders with GreenHub and ICAFIS signed a Memorandum to implement piloting the LINE-X PAINT coating solution for styro foam buoys.

During the discussion, the project team has received many comments from the participants of the workshop. Comments will be collected and clarified by the project team in the next steps of the project.