Speaking with Tuoi Tre News on July 22, Mr. Dam Hai Van shared important updates. The Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board stated that provincial authorities recently issued a new directive. This order focuses directly on strengthening coral reef protection across Nha Trang Bay.
The Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to take action. The department will work alongside the Nha Trang Bay Management Board and local coastal communities. Together, they will launch broader awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to educate both locals and tourists on preserving the marine environment.
Volunteers gather ghost nets and marine debris entangled in the coral reefs of Nha Trang Bay. Photo: Nha Trang Bay Management Board
Furthermore, authorities must install new warning signs at the Hon Chong scenic site and nearby coastal reefs. These signs will explicitly ban breaking, harvesting, or destroying coral. Officials will also deploy protection teams for regular monitoring to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, provincial police will step up patrols to catch and penalize anyone harming fisheries resources or marine ecosystems.
Acropora staghorn coral thriving in Nha Trang Bay. Photo: Nha Trang Bay Management Board
Earlier, local officials fined two tourists from Dong Nai Province a total of 50 million VND ($2,000). Each tourist paid 25 million VND ($1,000) for breaking coral at Hon Chong beach. Authorities confirmed that each individual damaged between 5 and 10 kilograms of coral.
Provincial leaders condemned the act as a severe legal violation. They emphasized that damaging coral destroys vital marine ecosystems and harms the region’s civilized tourism image.
Mr. Dam Hai Van noted that this was the first time authorities issued fines for breaking coral at Hon Chong. The management board recently expanded outreach programs for tour operators, boat captains, and residents. Nearly four years of active conservation efforts have already helped live coral coverage increase around Hon Mun and Hon Chong. However, Mr. Van stressed that guards alone cannot watch every single visitor without strong public cooperation.
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