Vietnam's Khanh Hoa orders tougher coral protection after tourists damage reef

Dam Hai Van, director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper on Wednesday that the provincial People's Committee had issued a directive ordering coral reef conservation and strict enforcement against activities that damage the marine ecosystem in the bay.

The order comes after two tourists from Dong Nai City in southern Vietnam were each fined VND25 million (US$951) a few days ago for breaking off more than 10 kilograms of Acropora coral at Hon Chong Beach in Bac Nha Trang Ward.

The provincial administration described the incident as a serious violation of environmental protection and marine biodiversity conservation regulations.

Under the directive, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment will instruct the board to coordinate with the People's Committee of Bac Nha Trang Ward and coastal communes and wards to expand public awareness campaigns.

The initiative aims to educate residents and visitors about marine environmental protection and the importance of conserving coral reefs.

The provincial administration has also urged relevant units to install additional warning signs prohibiting the breaking, harvesting, or destruction of coral at Hon Chong Beach.

Permanent monitoring teams will be deployed to prevent further damage.

Police were tasked with increasing surveillance and regular patrols along coastal and island areas, as well as penalizing violations involving the destruction of aquatic resources and marine ecosystems in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The recent theft directly harmed the coral reef ecosystem of Nha Trang Bay while negatively affecting the province's image as a responsible tourism destination.

According to Van, the case marks the first time authorities have imposed administrative sanctions for coral destruction at Hon Chong.

He said the management board has spent recent years expanding public education efforts while working with travel firms, boat operators, and local communities to discourage activities that threaten coral reefs and encourage public participation in monitoring conservation efforts.

Van noted that after nearly four years of conservation initiatives, live coral coverage, reef density, and the overall area of coral reefs at both Hon Mun and Hon Chong have shown signs of recovery.

However, he acknowledged that authorities alone cannot effectively monitor the millions of tourists who visit Khanh Hoa each year, underscoring the need for greater public awareness and cooperation in protecting the province's marine environment.