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| Open cages: A fisherman works on a farm in Quang Dien District. |
Viet Nam News
The Tam Giang Lagoon, about 11km north of Hue, erstwhile capital of Viet Nam, is among Southeast Asia’s largest fresh water bodies.
The lagoon, which borders four districts in Thua-Thien Hue Province, Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Huong Tra and Phu Vang, is about 24km long and covers a 5,200ha area. Its waters are 2-7 metres deep.
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| Twilight zone: A fishing village in Thuy Tu, Phu Vang District. — VNA/VNS Photos Ho Cau - Quoc Viet |
The lagoon’s rich and diverse ecosystem plays an important role in conserving the country’s biodiversity. The vast fishing ground is a source of livelihood for about a million people who catch tonnes of fish and other seafood every year. It also serves as a shield, protecting the region from salt intrusion and floods; and provides refuge to fishing boats during violent storms.
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| Floating life:Tam Giang Lagoon is home to hundreds of local fisherman families, whose livelihood is made on the its water. |
Tam Giang means “three rivers” in Vietnamese. It is a place where the region’s three large rivers –Huong, Bo and O Lau River – meet before they go out to sea. There are also dozens of smaller rivers that carry water to the lagoon.
Today, Tam Giang’s pristine waters and well-preserved cultural heritage of local fishing communities make it a must-visit ecotourism destination in the central region. — VNS
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