Tourists Break Corals in Nha Trang Bay, Authorities Investigating for Penalties

A group of tourists were seen breaking and collecting corals in the Hon Chong area of Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam, prompting an investigation by local authorities. On the afternoon of July 18, multiple tourists were observed picking and breaking coral branches after swimming in the protected waters of Hon Chong, a marine conservation zone within Nha Trang Bay. According to Mr. Dam Hai Van, Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, the agency received information about the incident on the afternoon of July 18. "This incident has angered many local residents because the coral ecosystem in Hon Chong is strictly protected," Mr. Van stated. Initial investigations have identified the group involved as tourists visiting Nha Trang. The Hon Chong coastal area boasts a coral ecosystem spanning approximately 11 hectares, featuring coral reefs aged between 5 to 10 years and areas undergoing restoration. Authorities prohibit residents and tourists from entering zones with corals and seagrass, engaging in fishing, or undertaking any actions that harm the ecosystem. Violators can face administrative fines ranging from VND 50 million to VND 100 million. Previously, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board had temporarily designated the Hon Chong - Dang Tat sea area as a protected zone from May to August to conserve the coral reefs. Activities in this area were restricted from 4 PM to 6 PM on days with low tides, primarily during the middle and end of the lunar month. The board has installed warning signs and regularly dispatches patrols to remind tourists. However, the influx of visitors to Nha Trang during the summer, coupled with limited personnel, has made strict control challenging. If the amount of coral broken in this incident reaches approximately 13 kilograms, the offenders could be fined VND 30 million to VND 40 million, in accordance with Clause 2, Article 8 of Government Decree 38/2024. Information Source: VnExpress