Preserving and promoting sustainable value of Nha Trang Bay marine ecosystem

After more than 3 years of implementing the Master Plan for Nha Trang Bay Restoration until 2030, Khanh Hoa Province has gained remarkable achievements, especially raising awareness, a sense of responsibility and the participation of the entire political system, residents and businesses to join efforts to protect the sustainable value of Nha Trang Bay marine ecosystem.

Scientists survey coral reef ecosystems in Nha Trang Bay.

Satisfactory results

On June 21, 2022, Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee issued a Notice No. 347 requesting the preservation and restoration of Nha Trang Bay, including coral reefs in Hon Mun waters, identifying this as one of the important, urgent and long-term tasks. In November 2022, the Provincial People's Committee promulgated a Master Plan for Nha Trang Bay Restoration until 2030, affirming its determination to restore the ecosystem of Nha Trang Bay.

According to Dam Hai Van, Director of Nha Trang Bay Management Board, the master plan for restoring Nha Trang Bay to 2030 has been concretized with specific activities. At the end of June 2022, the People's Committee of former Nha Trang City directed to temporarily suspend swimming, diving activities, operation of glass-bottomed boats in vulnerable coral reef areas on Nha Trang Bay, especially the area surrounding Hon Mun; Only allow temporary diving spots in the northeast area of ​​Hon Rom with a limited number of visitors; remove Lam Du lagoon of Doan Ket Cooperative out of the strictly protected area of ​​Hon Mun; ban single-use plastic products and plastic bottles, under 1.5l through Nha Trang Tourist Port, etc.

In addition, the People's Committee of former Nha Trang City approved the Project on developing green, sustainable community tourism in Bich Dam; zoning protected areas of Hon Mun and Hon Chong with recovering corals, breeding grounds, and spawning grounds for marine species; completing the scheme on promoting dialogue and cooperation between the community and the private sector with State agencies in coral reef conservation and sustainable development of Hon Mun waters, Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa Province sponsored by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP).

Additionally, the province has mobilized organizations and individuals inside and outside the province to join efforts to plant about 10ha of mangroves;  release 20,000 offspring to reproduce aquatic resources in the bay. In the first 6 months of 2025, 14 inspections and monitoring activities were conducted on coral reef ecosystems, resulting in the removal of 198 kg of waste, mainly fishing nets and ropes, from the Hon Chong seabed, and the collection of 190 kg of coastal waste at Hon Mun."

In 2024, at the Institute of Oceanography, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) also transferred ReefCloud technology and ReefScan equipment to Vietnamese scientists. This advanced technology enables rapid, accurate data collection and analysis, helping identify priority areas for effective conservation in Nha Trang Bay.

Bryde's whale spotted in Hon Mun area (Nha Trang Bay) in July 2025.

Synchronous solutions

According to a survey by the Institute of Oceanography, December 2023, the seabed coral reef ecosystem shows promising recovery. Specifically, the average coverage of hard corals increased to 6.3% in 2023 from 6.2% in 2022. Coral reef ecosystem at Hon Mun and Nha Trang Bay is also demonstrating positive regeneration, with reef fish species inhabiting and feeding within these restored coral habitats.

Furthermore, as of 2024, the increasing sightings of sea turtles (in October 2024), dolphins in the Hon Dung area (April 2025) and whales at Hon Mun (July 2025) are a positive sign for the improvement of the environmental condition and water quality in Nha Trang Bay, as well as the effective implementation of Nha Trang Bay Recovery Master Plan until 2030.

Besides, the Provincial People's Council has issued a resolution on fees for visiting Nha Trang Bay scenic spots to ensure sustainable financial resources for the bay management activities. In order to continue effectively implementing the Master Plan for Nha Trang Bay Restoration until 2030, Nha Trang Bay Management Board has sent a document to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, proposing that the Provincial People's Committee consider and direct relevant departments and agencies to continue scientific and technological research "Creating nurseries to provide coral reef-forming seeds to restore and regenerate the coral reef ecosystem in Nha Trang Bay"; "Testing artificial reef creation associated with marine ecotourism and recreational fishing in the western Hon Mun, Nha Trang Bay; install zoning buoys and propaganda boards; strengthen patrols to protect coral reefs and the environment; complete the scheme "Improving infrastructure and facilities for the management of Nha Trang Bay and so on.

On September 17, the Provincial People's Committee issued a document assigning the Department of Agriculture and Environment to preside over and coordinate with relevant agencies and localities on providing consultancy related to amending Decision No. 3028, dated November 7, 2022 of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee on promulgating the Master Plan for the restoration of Nha Trang Bay to 2030; ensuring the implementation of tasks in accordance with the actual situation after the merger and the two-tier local government system; proactively coordinate with relevant agencies to invite the Advisory Team to propose specific solutions on "Establishing and testing the public-private governance model for the international marine ecological area in Nha Trang Bay.

The Provincial People's Committee has assigned the Department of Finance to preside over and coordinate with relevant agencies to inspect and proactively handle the proposal of the Department of Agriculture and Environment on funding for the implementation of the Master Plan for Nha Trang Bay restoration by 2030.

T.Thinh

Translated by N.T