Pod of more than 10 dolphins spotted off Vietnam's Ly Son Island

The dolphins appeared at around 8:33 am in waters about one nautical mile from shore, near Ben Dinh Port in the Ly Son special zone.

Phan Hau, 41, a Ly Son resident, was piloting the An Vinh Express 1 passenger vessel from Ben Dinh Port to the mainland when he and passengers on board spotted the dolphins.

Hau said dolphins are occasionally seen in waters around Ly Son, but usually in smaller groups of four or five.

The appearance of more than 10 dolphins at once made Monday's sighting particularly striking.

Their presence is also regarded as a positive sign for the local marine environment, suggesting that the ecosystem can provide suitable habitat and feeding grounds for marine animals.

Following the sighting, Ly Son authorities advised residents and tourists not to approach the dolphins too closely to film or photograph them.

Nguyen Van Huy, chairman of the Ly Son special zone People's Committee, urged residents, fishermen, and visitors not to chase or surround the dolphins, make excessive noise, or otherwise disturb their natural behavior.

Watercraft operators who encounter dolphins should slow down, maintain a safe distance, and avoid gathering around the pod, he said.

People who spot injured or stranded dolphins, or animals showing unusual signs, should immediately notify the Ly Son special zone People's Committee and relevant authorities for guidance and assistance.

Huy said protecting dolphins would help preserve biodiversity and the marine ecosystem while enhancing the island's natural landscape.

It is also in line with Ly Son's goal of developing into a green, environmentally friendly, and sustainable tourism destination, he added.