According to statistics from the Ha Long Bay Management Board, Ha Long Bay currently has 81 saltwater lakes located in the middle of the sea - a priceless "asset" bestowed by nature.
Previously, Ha Long Bay announced that there were about 30 saltwater lakes located in the core zone of Ha Long Bay. Now the number has increased to 81, including lakes located in the buffer zone and core zone of this world natural heritage.
The saltwater lakes in the middle of Ha Long Bay , locally called Ang, are Karst sinkholes created during the geological tectonic process, located between limestone islands, connected to the sea by narrow doors or caves (possibly underground caves).
The saltwater lake is isolated from the outside environment, surrounded by limestone islands, so it is quiet, the air is fresh and cool, on the shore is covered with green vegetation, under the water is a vibrant world of marine life, creating a beautiful, peaceful, different habitat, so it is very attractive and opens up many interesting surprises.
Survey results at 30 saltwater lakes in Ha Long Bay show that there are two main types: closed lakes and lakes connected to the sea, with different areas from less than 1ha to over 5ha.
Of the 10 surveyed underground caves, the majority were caves with two entrances (open caves) and caves with one entrance (closed caves). Four types of habitats were identified in these underground caves and saltwater lakes: rocky - pebble beaches, sandy - muddy sand beaches, coral reefs and muddy bottoms corresponding to the typical biological communities living there. The study also identified 206 species of phytoplankton, 63 species of zooplankton, 23 species of fish, 34 species of seaweed, 1 species of seagrass, 41 species of sponges, 46 species of corals, 124 species of benthic animals, many of which have economic value or are used in the processing and pharmaceutical industries.
Also from the surveys and research trips, the project team discovered saltwater lakes and underground caves with landscape and biological characteristics that can be used to develop tourism, such as: mountain climbing, sightseeing, relaxing fishing, kayaking, exploring vegetation or organizing educational classes on protecting natural resources and the environment at saltwater lakes...
However, it is necessary to be careful, choose appropriate forms of tourism, avoid damaging the landscape and ecosystem of the lakes and underground caves in Ha Long Bay.
