Dive tourism to be halted to protect coral reefs in Nha Trang

The decision came after a meeting held by the Standing Board of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee on June 20 to discuss the situation of the coral reef degradation in Hon Mun Marine Protected Area.

The meeting concluded that the media’s report on reef degradation in this place is true. In particular, the reef degradation was caused by climate change and two strong storms, Damrey in 2017 and Rai in 2021.

Meanwhile, the loose management and coordination among relevant departments, branches and localities, along with impacts of improper human activities such as illegal fishing, unregulated coastal construction, and waste release from tourism activities also impact the coral reefs.

In order to project the area, The Standing Board of the Provincial Party Committee requested the Khanh Hoa Municipal People’s Committee to suspend dive tourism activities in the vulnerable coral reef areas in Nha Trang Bay, especially the area surrounding Hon Mun Island.

The local authority was urged to strengthen protection around the coral reef areas and in collaboration with functional units to conduct patrols in the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, while increasing dissemination to raise locals and tourists’ awareness. 

Nha Trang Bay Marine Protected Area (formerly Ho Mun Marine Protected Area) was established in 2001, covering an area of ​​about 160 square kilometres, including 38 square kilometres of land and 122 square kilometres of water around nine islands.

It has diverse ecosystems in which hard corals are found on Hon Mun island.