A recent survey conducted by the management board of Nha Trang Bay in the namesake city under Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam reveals that the once-damaged coral reef ecosystem around Hon Mun Island is undergoing a recovery process, attributed to various coral protection measures and restoration efforts.

According to the survey, the northwestern and northern regions of Hon Mun Island boasted a coral coverage rate ranging from 30 percent to 50 percent as of the end of 2023, predominantly hosting the Porites and Millepora dichotoma coral species.

In the western area of the island, many coral seedlings thrive on fragmented coral substrates, with the Acropora species being prevalent.

Both areas previously saw a storm destroy many coral reefs in December 2021.

Earlier, 17 businesses were allowed to operate scuba diving services at six different spots in the waters around Hon Mun Island, which is located over 10 kilometers from the shore and covers 160 square kilometers. 

As one of the most charming islands off the popular tourist beach city of Nha Trang, Hon Mun once boasted various coral reefs and a rich marine ecosystem.

According to the management board of Nha Trang Bay, in June 2022, upon discovering a significant reduction in coral reefs in Hon Mun Island’s vicinity, local authorities directed the temporary suspension of diving activities in this area to facilitate coral reef restoration.

Following the suspension, the bay management board established a temporary diving site in the Hon Rom Island area, which remains in use today, while exerting efforts to safeguard the marine environment and coral reefs.

Since the end of 2023, the management board has implemented regulations prohibiting the use of single-use plastic items and non-biodegradable plastic bags at Nha Trang tourist wharf.

Besides, in support of scuba diving enterprises in Nha Trang Bay, the board has proposed four additional pilot spots for recreational diving beyond Hon Rom Island. 

These areas include the northern region of Hon Rua Island, the artificial reef zone in Vinh Hoa Ward, the northeast part of Tri Nguyen Island, and the water area between Bai Tranh and Bai Soi, which is located east of Tri Nguyen. 

However, the proposal is pending review by relevant authorities.

Enterprises, tourists join hands

Enterprises specializing in organizing scuba diving activities, such as Viet Asian Nha Trang Joint Stock Company, also join forces in preserving coral reefs. 

Nguyen Huy Han, director of Viet Asian Nha Trang, stated that his company always instructs divers not to touch or disturb the coral, as even slight contact can damage or break coral branches. 

Tourists are advised not to pick or touch dead or discolored coral, as they often serve as habitats for marine creatures. 

Instead, such tourists are encouraged to admire and photograph coral reefs from a distance of 30-50 centimeters.

Each dive lasts 15-20 minutes with one to three people.

“Tourists participating in scuba diving or underwater exploration are required to have a guide accompany them and provide instructions on movement to prevent damage to coral reefs,” emphasized Han.

“When navigating divers to shallow-water coral reefs by boat, we often anchor in sandy areas, avoiding those with coral in the bottoms.”

Furthermore, the company discourages the use of cosmetics containing harmful substances like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which can bleach coral and harm marine life. 

Beyond scuba diving, many tour operators have divers engage in cleaning up trash, removing fishing nets from coral reefs, and protecting marine life. 

Nguyen Van Duc, an experienced diver in Nha Trang, stated, “Scuba diving combined with clean-up activities helps participants develop a greater appreciation for the marine environment.” 

“Witnessing the adverse impact of fishing nets and litter on coral reefs raises awareness about marine conservation.

“We also capture animals harmful to corals, such as sea urchins, during these trips.”

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