The Hon Chong-Dang Tat area is home to coral reefs that remain almost intact. The coral reefs cover about 4.8 hectares, including 1.56 hectares in Hon Chong and around 3.19 hectares in Dang Tat. Photo: Xuan Hoat
It has also become a hub for scientists studying, restoring, and conserving coral reefs.
Hon Chong Beach has attracted public attention over the past few days after several visitors were caught breaking off coral while swimming.
Two of the violators were each fined VND25 million (US$950) after authorities determined that they had broken off more than 10.5kg of protected coral.
According to a recent survey by the Coastal Branch of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, the area is home to 62 coral species from 12 families. Photo: Xuan Hoat
Hon Chong is also the site of a program to conserve and restore several rare coral species under a program launched in 2022.
From May to August, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board will temporarily designate protected zones and restrict activities around the Hon Chong coral reef during low tide.
Warning signs will also be installed and patrols stepped up.
The Faviidae family is the most dominant, with 17 species, followed by Acroporidae with 14 species and Poritidae with nine species. Other families have between one and four species. Photo: Dam Hai Van
However, the large number of visitors during the summer holiday, combined with limited management personnel, makes monitoring difficult, leading to incidents such as the recent case in which a group of visitors broke off coral, said Dam Hai Van, director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board.
The area is also experiencing healthy coral growth, with average live coral cover reaching 32.4 percent. Photo: Dam Hai Van
According to Dam Hai Van, director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, the Hon Chong-Dang Tat area has a diverse range of rare coral species. Among them are eight species of Acropora coral. Photo: Dam Hai Van
When the tide recedes, many coral colonies emerge above the water, creating a beautiful sight that attracts tourists visiting Nha Trang. Photo: Xuan Hoat
To protect the coral reefs, local authorities have installed signs prohibiting damaging activities along the coastline. Photo: Xuan Hoat
