Nha Trang Bay's marine rife rebounds following recovery efforts

To facilitate the restoration, authorities have designated protected zones within the bay, prohibiting fishing and diving activities to safeguard the coral reefs.

After more than 18 months of comprehensive measures, Nha Trang Bay's marine ecosystem is showing encouraging signs of recovery.

Recent surveys conducted by the Nha Trang Bay Management Board have revealed positive changes, including an increase in aquatic species and the return of sea turtles to the bay.

The improvements follow the implementation of a recovery plan by Khánh Hòa Province in late 2022, prompted by the alarming decline of coral reefs in Mun Isle, a core area of the bay.

The decline was attributed to the cumulative impact of climate change, Typhoons Damrey, Typhoon Rai, and other anthropogenic pressures.

To facilitate the restoration, authorities have designated protected zones within the bay, prohibiting fishing and diving activities to safeguard the coral reefs.

"The number of aquatic species returning to the bay is increasing, and marine life such as fish and turtles is gradually diversifying," said Đàm Hải Vân, Deputy Head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board.

Surveys in the Lô Cù Hin River and Lao Isle-Lương Sơn areas have identified promising sites with favourable natural conditions for coral restoration. A slow but steady coral recovery can be observed in Mun Isle, while reef fish are increasingly abundant in Chồng Isle.

While coral growth is slow, positive signs are evident, with some areas showing 5 per cent coral coverage. However, challenges remain, with other areas exhibiting low coverage rates of around 2 per cent.

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board has actively monitored the coral reef ecosystem, removed crown-of-thorns starfish, and cleaned up debris from the seabed.

"With improved water quality and abundant food sources, we hope that more species will continue to return in the future, further enhancing the bay's biodiversity," Vân added.

Nha Trang Bay, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful bays, boasts a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and various fish species.