Community Perceptions of Harmful Algal Blooms, the Socioeconomic Implications, and Policies of Mitigation: A Case Study of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

A study on Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, reveals that harmful algal blooms (HABs) are often underestimated by local communities due to limited public awareness and understanding. Perceptions of HAB threats varied significantly across sectors, with those in tourism and aquaculture—sectors directly impacted by HABs—underestimating the risks. The research, combining community questionnaires and expert interviews, highlights the need for improved government communication on HABs and tailored policies to mitigate socioeconomic impacts. This work contributes to a growing but still limited body of evidence on public perceptions of coastal HABs, offering insights crucial for long-term solutions.

Kapitsinis, N., McKinley, E., Munday, M., Doan, Y. T.-T., & ThiHoang, T.-H. (2025). Community Perceptions of Harmful Algal Blooms, the Socioeconomic Implications, and Policies of Mitigation: A Case Study of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Journal of Coastal Research, 41(6). https://doi.org/10.2112/jcoastres-d-24-00082.1