HANOI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Experts from the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources have found a unique complex of fossilized coral, believed to date back to 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, on the coast of Ly Son Island, 30 km off central Quang Ngai province.

Nguyen Xuan Nam from the institute said a group of researchers and scientists found the population of palaeontological coral reefs over an area of 20,000 square meters extending 400 meters along the coast, northeast of the island, Vietnam News Agency reported on Tuesday.

The coral reef complex, which was named Coi Xay (meaning a manual rice mill seen in rural areas in the old days) coral, includes a heap of coral blocks scattered on the beach.

Nam said the discovery was part of the initial research to recognize Ly Son Island as a global geo-park. Samples of the coral reefs have been sent for examination at international laboratories to establish their age and structure as well as scientific name.

He said the province should enact special protection for the coral reef complex, as well as the islands, to prevent them from being destroyed by human activities and overloaded with tourism and construction.

Local geologist Vu Cao Minh warned that the exploitation of beach sand and coral reefs for farming garlic and onions could result in damage to coral reefs around the island, while the boom in hospitality services could lead to a mass collapse of the underground water structure of the island. Enditem