Why did Nha Trang Bay lose nearly 200 hectares of coral in more than 20 years?

Nha Trang Bay Management Board said there are many reasons why Nha Trang Bay has lost nearly 200 hectares of coral reefs over the past 20 years.

Beautiful corals are being preserved in Hon Chong sea - Photo: Nha Trang Bay Management Board

On July 23, speaking with Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Nguyen Duy Quang - Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Khanh Hoa province - said that this unit has responded in writing to press information related to the content that Nha Trang Bay has lost about 191 hectares of coral reefs over the past 20 years.

Causes of coral decline

Previously, a number of press agencies reported the decline of coral in Nha Trang Bay, through articles titled "Nearly 200 hectares of coral disappeared in Nha Trang Bay", "Great loss of Nha Trang Bay"...

The recent coral degradation in Nha Trang Bay was reflected in a scientific research project of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center, Coastal Branch. This project has been discussed, analyzed, evaluated and solutions have been implemented since 2022.

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board identified five main causes of coral decline, including natural disasters; coral bleaching due to rising sea temperatures and coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish; destructive exploitation; environmental impacts and the process of landfill and construction.

In particular, natural disasters such as storm No. 12 Damrey in November 2017 caused severe damage to the coral ecosystem in some areas with rich and diverse coral reefs such as Hon Mun, Hon Mot, Hon Tam, and northeast of Hon Tre, with 70-80% of the coral ecosystem being damaged.

Besides, over the past few decades, coral bleaching has caused serious impacts on coral ecosystems globally, not only in Vietnam.

Implementing coral protection solutions

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Khanh Hoa province, recently the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province have directed the People's Committee of Nha Trang City (old) and the Nha Trang Bay Management Board to develop a project and implement a master plan to restore Nha Trang Bay.

Nha Trang Bay Management Board has implemented many conservation solutions. Notably, it has raised public awareness about marine environmental protection; from 2022 to present, swimming, diving, and glass-bottom boat activities have been suspended in the strictly protected area of Hon Mun.

In addition, the authorities have increased patrols, inspections and strictly handled administrative violations in Nha Trang Bay, and relocated Lam Du lagoon of Doan Ket Cooperative out of the strictly protected area of Hon Mun.

Support sustainable livelihoods for the community associated with coral reef conservation and gradually create a stable financial source for Nha Trang Bay management activities.

In the coming time, Khanh Hoa province will coordinate with relevant localities and units to promote propaganda to raise public awareness about environmental protection of Nha Trang Bay until 2030. Continue to patrol and resolutely handle acts that negatively affect Hon Mun and Nha Trang Bay.

Nha Trang Bay Management Board is finalizing the pilot diving plan according to regulations; periodically monitor and supervise the ecosystem closely every month to promptly take management measures. Promote socialization to restore the mangrove ecosystem, release and regenerate aquatic resources.

NGUYEN HOANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-sao-vinh-nha-trang-mat-gan-200ha-san-ho-trong-hon-20-nam-20250723181602476.htm