{"id":1114,"date":"2025-12-23T14:15:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T07:15:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/?p=1114"},"modified":"2025-12-26T10:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T03:40:30","slug":"invasive-corals-are-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threats-fighting-harmful-corals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/en\/invasive-corals-are-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threats-fighting-harmful-corals\/","title":{"rendered":"INVASIVE CORALS ARE PUTTING PHU QUOC CORAL REEFS UNDER THREATS | FIGHTING HARMFUL CORALS"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header\">\n<div class=\"entry-header-text entry-header-text-top text-left\"><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<header class=\"entry-header\">\n<div class=\"entry-header-text entry-header-text-top text-left\">\n<div class=\"entry-image relative\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Removing harmful corals which invade coral reefs in Phu Quoc\" width=\"1020\" height=\"765\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-1024x768.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6789.jpg 1600w\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"badge absolute top post-date badge-square\">\n<div class=\"badge-inner\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"entry-content single-page\">\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\">\n<p class=\"toc_title\">MAIN CONTENTS\u00a0<span class=\"toc_toggle\">[<a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/#\">hide<\/a>]<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"toc_list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/#1_SITUATION_IN_PHU_QUOC\">1. SITUATION IN PHU QUOC<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/#2_CORAL_REEF_CAN_NOT_RE-GROW\">2. CORAL REEF CAN NOT RE-GROW<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/#3_RESCUING_CORAL_IN_PHU_QUOC_FROM_THE_INVASIVE_HARMFUL_CORALS\">3. RESCUING CORAL IN PHU QUOC FROM THE INVASIVE &amp; HARMFUL CORALS<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_SITUATION_IN_PHU_QUOC\"><\/span><span id=\"1_SITUATION_IN_PHU_QUOC\">1. SITUATION IN PHU QUOC<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div>Button Polyps, an invasive coral, are causing negative ecological impacts on coral reefs.\u00a0They encroach on hard coral habitats, preventing them from receiving sunlight and starving them.<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>We have discovered a type of invasive coral that is a real \u201ccoral killer\u201d and is currently one of the biggest dangers to Phu Quoc\u2019s coral reefs, based on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/category\/phu-quoc-island-explorer\/phu-quoc-coral-reefs-observation\/\">observations<\/a>\u00a0that OnBird has made about the reefs over the previous five years.<\/p>\n<p>Corals called button polyps and other Zoanthid species spread quickly, grow out of control and invade other coral species to form densely packed, hard-to-trim colonies.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38707\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38707\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38707 lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2.jpg\" alt=\"Removing harmful corals from a barrel sponge at a coral reef, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6790-2-1000x750.jpg 1000w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38707\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Removing harmful corals from a barrel sponge at a coral reef, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Button polyps known as Moon Polyps, Encrusting Anemones, or Sea Mats, corals are colonial creatures with numerous individual polyps clinging to a fragment of live rock or coral rubble.<\/p>\n<p>With optimal conditions, Button Polyp Corals will expand out, producing new colonies and eventually forming a mat or carpet-like appearance. The abundance of Button Polyps Coral has recently expanded substantially, and it currently controls hundreds, if not thousands, of meters of coral reefs on Phu Quoc Island, displacing hard corals and other traditionally dominating biota. This rapid growth is a cause of coral reef destruction, as the Button Polyps Coral has blanketed many portions of Phu Quoc\u2019s coral reefs, regardless of whether the corals are alive or dead, squeezing out all other sessile invertebrates.<\/p>\n<p>The photosynthesis process, which produces sugars, lipids (fats), and oxygen, is not possible for the zooxanthellae cells. This causes the coral to starve to death and lose its ability to develop and perform cellular respiration.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38724\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38724\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38724 lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786.jpg\" alt=\"Button Polyp Coral is blanketing a cabbage coral at a coral reef in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6786-1000x750.jpg 1000w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Button Polyp Coral is blanketing a cabbage coral at a alive coral reef in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div><\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_CORAL_REEF_CAN_NOT_RE-GROW\"><\/span><span id=\"2_CORAL_REEF_CAN_NOT_RE-GROW\">2. CORAL REEF CAN NOT RE-GROW<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p>Now spreading throughout Phu Quoc, button polyp coral is a type of harmful coral that is endangering the reefs without giving them a chance to recover. It will gradually encroach and cover any area, including dead and damaged coral areas, which are meant to serve as new sites for young coral larvae to attach themselves to to regrow. Button-plastic corals are fast-growing and will push away their neighbors, other corals, and any other sessile species. Hard corals will eventually die off and become incapable of reproducing once they have taken over the coral reef community.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"gallery-1\" class=\"gallery galleryid-38690 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-large\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/dcim101goprogopr6815-jpg\/#main\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"OnBird team removes Button Polyp Corals from an alive Cauliflower coral | Save Phu Quoc Coral\" width=\"1020\" height=\"765\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-1024x768.jpg\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-38732\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6815.jpg 1600w\" \/><\/a><\/div><figcaption id=\"gallery-1-38732\" class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">OnBird team removes Button Polyp Corals from an alive Cauliflower coral | Save Phu Quoc Coral<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/invasive-corals-are-invading-and-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threat-fighting-harmful-corals\/dcim101goprogopr6819-jpg\/#main\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"OnBird team removes Button Polyp Corals from an alive Cauliflower coral | Save Phu Quoc Coral\" width=\"1020\" height=\"765\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-1024x768.jpg\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-38737\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/batch_GOPR6819.jpg 1600w\" \/><\/a><\/div><figcaption id=\"gallery-1-38737\" class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">OnBird team removes Button Polyp Corals from an alive Cauliflower coral | Save Phu Quoc Coral<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Many coral reefs are currently in a very serious situation because they have few opportunities to reproduce and regrow. For instance, the coral reefs at Dam Ngang Island, May Rut, Mong Tay, and Hon Xuong are currently experiencing a fast-growing area of Button Polyp Corals, which cover every surface of underwater objects, meaning that healthy coral areas will eventually disappear forever.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"gallery-2\" class=\"gallery galleryid-38690 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/exploring-a-fascinating-marine-world-on-the-small-group-snorkeling-trip-in-phu-quoc-island\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683\/#main\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-full size-full lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683.jpg\" alt=\"Meiji exploring the beauty of the Coral Mountain, Phu Quoc, Vietnam\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683.jpg\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-34608\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/batch_z3503360428955_b75dabed1106915d65b4bb409109c683-1000x750.jpg 1000w\" \/><\/a><\/div><figcaption id=\"gallery-2-34608\" class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Apart of Coral Mountain, the largest Cactus coral colony in Phu Quoc is now invaded by Button Polyps Coral (The brown color) (captured in 2021)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/resized_cm_text_logo-25\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-full size-full lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/resized_CM_text_logo-25.jpg\" alt=\"Phu Quoc Coral Mountain at Crystal Reef - Phu Quoc Distinct &amp; Touristy-avoiding Snorkeling Tour\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/resized_CM_text_logo-25.jpg\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-17087\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/resized_CM_text_logo-25.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/resized_CM_text_logo-25-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/resized_CM_text_logo-25-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/resized_CM_text_logo-25-400x300.jpg 400w\" \/><\/a><\/div><figcaption id=\"gallery-2-17087\" class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">The photos of a healthy Cactus Coral Colony \u2013 Phu Quoc Coral Mountain captured in 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_RESCUING_CORAL_IN_PHU_QUOC_FROM_THE_INVASIVE_HARMFUL_CORALS\"><\/span><span id=\"3_RESCUING_CORAL_IN_PHU_QUOC_FROM_THE_INVASIVE_HARMFUL_CORALS\">3. RESCUING CORAL IN PHU QUOC FROM THE INVASIVE &amp; HARMFUL CORALS<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The OnBird Phu Quoc team has been working to eradicate hazardous or invasive coral from the coral reefs on Phu Quoc Island to preserve the hard coral areas that are currently in danger due to the growth of button polyps coral. With the right equipment (a wetsuit, gloves, and knife), \u201cOnBird underwater warriors\u201d can remove these dangerous corals from both dead and living coral patches, which are the places where new corals can grow and attach. We typically clean the reefs during our snorkeling excursions, provided that the water conditions are favorable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"gallery-3\" class=\"gallery galleryid-38690 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-large\">\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/remove-ghost-nets-stuck-at-coral-reefs-in-phu-quoc-island-vietnam\/dcim100goprogopr5835-jpg\/#main\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Remove ghost nets to save corals in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam\" width=\"1020\" height=\"765\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-1024x768.jpg\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-37774\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5835.jpg 1600w\" \/><\/a><\/div><figcaption id=\"gallery-3-37774\" class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Remove ghost nets to save corals in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"gallery-item\">\n<div class=\"gallery-icon landscape\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/remove-ghost-nets-stuck-at-coral-reefs-in-phu-quoc-island-vietnam\/dcim100goprogopr5750-jpg\/#main\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large lazy-load-active\" src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Remove ghost nets to save corals in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam\" width=\"1020\" height=\"765\" data-src=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-1024x768.jpg\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-37764\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/onbird.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/batch_GOPR5750.jpg 1600w\" \/><\/a><\/div><figcaption id=\"gallery-3-37764\" class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Remove ghost nets to save corals in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Please note<\/strong>:\u00a0this coral is a species of Zoanthid coral (e.g.\u00a0<i>Palythoa<\/i>\u00a0species and\u00a0<i>Zoanthus<\/i>\u00a0species) that can contain a highly toxic, naturally occurring, and potentially lethal substance known as Palytoxin which is poisonous to humans.\u00a0The poisons in coral serve as a natural defense against predators. Therefore, kindly refrain from touching or removing them by yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MAIN CONTENTS\u00a0[hide] 1. SITUATION IN PHU QUOC 2. CORAL REEF CAN NOT RE-GROW 3. RESCUING CORAL IN PHU QUOC FROM THE INVASIVE &amp; HARMFUL CORALS 1. SITUATION IN PHU QUOC Button Polyps, an invasive coral, are causing negative ecological impacts on coral reefs.\u00a0They encroach on hard coral habitats, preventing them from receiving sunlight and starving<a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/en\/invasive-corals-are-putting-phu-quoc-coral-reefs-under-threats-fighting-harmful-corals\/\">&#8230;[Read More]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1115,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1114"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1262,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1114\/revisions\/1262"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/1115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dtabeam.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}