On the morning of 19/7, Dam Hai Van, Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, announced that the unit received information about a group breaking and collecting coral along the beach near Hon Chong scenic spot, Bac Nha Trang ward, on the afternoon of 18/7.

"The incident has upset many residents because the coral ecosystem at Hon Chong is strictly protected," Van stated. He added that the unit forwarded images and related information to the Bac Nha Trang Ward People's Committee for verification and handling.

Group suspected of breaking coral and bringing it ashore near Hon Chong area (Nha Trang Bay) yesterday afternoon. *Minh Khue*

The Hon Chong sea area features a coral ecosystem spanning about 11 hectares, including reefs aged 5 to 10 years and recovering zones. Authorities prohibit residents and tourists from entering coral areas and seagrass beds, exploiting marine resources, or engaging in actions that damage the ecosystem. Violators face administrative fines ranging from 50 million to 100 million VND.

Previously, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board temporarily designated the Hon Chong – Dang Tat sea area as a protected zone from May to August to conserve coral reefs. Activities in this area are restricted from 16h to 18h on low tide days, primarily during the middle and end of lunar months.

Many tourists were reminded by authorities for paddleboarding near coral reefs in Hon Chong, Nha Trang Bay, last month. *Bui Toan*

The board also installed warning signs and regularly dispatched patrol teams to remind tourists. However, the high number of visitors to Nha Trang during summer, coupled with limited staff, makes control challenging.

According to the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, if the coral broken in the incident weighs about 13 kg, violators could face a fine of 30 million to 40 million VND under Clause 2, Article 8 of Government Decree 38/2024.

*Bui Toan*