In mid-May, two Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni), about 10 meters long, appeared and fed more than 300 meters from shore in the Cu Lao Mai Nha area, O Loan commune. The whales' presence attracted tourists and photographers.

Alex, 30, a British tourist, said that on the morning of 17/5, he participated in a whale-watching tour at Cu Lao Mai Nha and personally saw two whales swimming close to the boat, surfacing to feed.

Having previously joined whale-watching tours in Costa Rica, Alex noted that the viewing distance in Vietnam was even closer, offering an impressive experience. However, he observed that while about five tourist boats were observing the whales from a safe distance, two boats suddenly sped up, approaching the whales' feeding area.

"Although it didn't cause direct injury, that action could still scare the whales away," Alex said. He believes that getting too close will affect the whales' natural habits, causing them to leave or even become stranded.

Alex, a British tourist, watches whales at Cu Lao Mai Nha on the morning of 17/5. *Photo: NVCC*

Photographer Nguyen Minh Tu, experienced in nature and wildlife photography, expressed concern about the rise of unauthorized whale-watching tours threatening the safety of this rare species. According to Tu, many fishing boats and canoes carrying passengers or photographers often get too close to take close-up photos.

"Boats approaching closely can stress whales, disorient them, or cause collisions that lead to injury," Tu said.

Many local fishermen consider whales, long revered as "Ca Ong" (Lord Whale) – a guardian deity of the sea – to be associated with saving those in distress at sea. Some unauthorized tourist tours bringing guests too close to whales for sightseeing and photography not only risk harming these animals but are also considered offensive and disrespectful to the beliefs of coastal residents.

A representative from An Hai Border Guard Station stated that there have been no recorded instances of boats directly harming whales. However, the unit has increased patrols and inspections following reports of boats approaching the whale pod. The unit is coordinating with local authorities and relevant parties to find solutions to protect the whales and maintain a positive image for local tourism.

Dao Quang Minh, Director of the Phu Yen Provincial Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, stated that the appearance of whales near the Cu Lao Mai Nha sea area is a positive sign, indicating a rich marine environment and abundant aquatic resources in the region.

According to Minh, authorities are monitoring the whale pod and advising boats to maintain a distance of over 200 meters, avoiding speeding up or approaching too closely, as noise and large waves can cause the whales to panic. Authorities recommend that people maintain a safe distance, refrain from approaching, or harvesting aquatic products around the area where whales appear. If boat owners deliberately violate these guidelines, endangering marine animals, the unit will coordinate with inter-agency forces to impose administrative penalties in accordance with fishery resource conservation regulations.

Whales at Cu Lao Mai Nha on 17/5. *Photo: Tropical Trip Phu Yen*

Master Mai Thuan Loi, from the Center for Sustainable Tourism Research and Development at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, TP HCM, noted that many countries with developed whale-watching tourism apply strict regulations regarding safe distances, travel speeds, and the number of boats allowed to approach simultaneously to minimize impact on marine animals.

Loi believes Vietnam needs to promptly establish its own standards for whale-watching activities, while also raising awareness among tour operators to both protect the marine ecosystem and develop sustainable tourism. "Tourists come to see whales in their natural environment, not to witness boats chasing or approaching them too closely," Loi said.

Previously, a similar situation occurred in Nhon Ly sea, formerly Quy Nhon, in 7/2025. When a mother and calf whale appeared, many tourists and photographers hired boats and canoes and rushed into the whales' feeding area. The Gia Lai Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development then issued a document requiring tourist tours and fishing boats to maintain a minimum distance, turn off engines, and operate no more than three boats simultaneously when in areas with whales.

Bryde's whales live near coastal areas and are frequently seen in the waters of Vietnam, China, and Thailand, especially around the Gulf of Thailand. In Vietnam, they have been recorded in the South Central Coast and Southern provinces. Specifically in Phu Yen, the frequency of Bryde's whale sightings has increased over the past 5 years. This species belongs to the rorqual whale family (Balaenopteridae) and is easily identifiable by three ridges running along the top of its head in front of the blowhole, along with 40-70 throat pleats that help expand its mouth when feeding.

Tuan Anh - Bui Toan