Analysis of remote sensing imagery and machine learning data, published in June by the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre, reveals that Nha Trang bay lost approximately 191 hectares of coral reefs between 2002 and 2024. The loss is concentrated around Hon Tre, Hon Mun, Hon Mot, Hon Tam, and Hon Mieu islands, within a 160 square kilometer area.
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Nha Trang bay Management Board members inspect and monitor coral reefs. Photo: Bui Toan |
Nha Trang bay Management Board members inspect and monitor coral reefs. Photo: Bui Toan
Coastal infrastructure development, including roads, resorts, and ports, triggered significant land-use changes in Nha Trang bay, resulting in the loss of 125 hectares of coral reefs between 2002 and 2016.
Although the Nha Trang bay Management Board (NBMB) was established in 2001, the decline has continued due to pollution from the mainland, illegal fishing, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and rising sea temperatures. Temperatures reached 30 degrees Celsius, a level that causes coral bleaching. Additionally, 32 storms over two decades have severely damaged the marine ecosystem.
Mai Thuan Loi, from the Center for Sustainable Tourism Research and Development at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, says the widespread coral bleaching and death pose a severe threat to biodiversity and the appeal of Nha Trang's marine tourism.
"Coral reefs are not only home to hundreds of marine species but also a highlight of diving tours in Nha Trang bay," Loi said.
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Map of coral reef zones in Nha Trang bay. Photo: Nguyen Trinh Duc Hieu/Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre. |
Map of coral reef zones in Nha Trang bay. Photo: Nguyen Trinh Duc Hieu/Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre.
According to the NBMB, tourism activities in the Hon Mun area have been temporarily suspended for ecosystem preservation. Surveys conducted by the NBMB, in collaboration with the Institute of Oceanography and the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre, indicate signs of coral recovery, albeit slow. Hard coral species are growing at an average rate of only 1 cm per year.
Meanwhile, coral reefs near Hon Chong are thriving, with an average coverage of 32.4%. The NBMB has also proposed community involvement in conservation efforts in areas like Song Lo - Cu Hin and Hon Lao - Luong Son, encouraging businesses to participate in protecting the ecosystem.
Current conservation efforts in Nha Trang bay include collaborating with diving clubs and volunteers to monitor the ecosystem, collect seabed debris, remove crown-of-thorns starfish, and track bleaching events. The NBMB works with scientists to address environmental incidents.
Community-based conservation is also promoted through mangrove reforestation in the Tac river and Dam Bay, and releasing aquatic species on World Environment Day and International Day for Biological Diversity. The NBMB is developing a project to establish a coral nursery, experimenting with artificial reef models combined with ecotourism and recreational fishing.
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Authorities clean up seabed debris to protect coral reefs. Photo: Nhan Bui |
Authorities clean up seabed debris to protect coral reefs. Photo: Nhan Bui
The NBMB states that conservation efforts face challenges due to a lack of interagency coordination mechanisms, limited public awareness, and financial constraints. Current revenue is insufficient to cover conservation activities.
According to Loi, without effective and decisive marine resource management measures, Nha Trang's tourism will lose its unique character. The underwater landscape is disappearing. If the experience doesn't match what is advertised, especially for international tourists, they will be disappointed and less likely to return.
Besides climate change, experts also point to uncontrolled past activities, such as improper anchoring, unregulated diving, and marine waste discharge, as reasons for the rapid decline of coral reefs.
"Coral reef restoration is a long-term process. It requires persistence, a comprehensive approach, and prioritizing conservation," Loi emphasized.
Tuan Anh
