Nha Trang suspends diving tours in marine reserve to inspect coral reefs

Nha Trang suspends diving tours in marine reserve to inspect coral reefs

Mun Island Marine Protected Space in Nha Trang Bay is seen from above. Photograph by Duc Kha


Swimming and diving has been banned at Mun Island Marine Protected Space in Nha Trang Bay from Monday to evaluate the situation of its shrinking coral reefs.

Khanh Hoa Province authorities had final week ordered a halt to scuba diving excursions in areas in Nha Trang Bay thought-about susceptible to coral reef destruction.

Specialists will survey the broken coral reefs, the bay administration board has introduced.

After the evaluation is finished, authorities will determine which tourism actions could be allowed on the marine reserve.

The Mun Island Marine Protected Space, unfold over 160 sq. kilometers, was the primary marine conservation mission in Vietnam and was established in 2001.

It has 9 islands, together with Mun, well-known for scuba diving excursions.

An inspection by the administration board earlier this 12 months revealed that the island’s coral reef has shrunk considerably in comparison with 2015.

The coral protection fee has declined from greater than 50 p.c to 11 p.c in its southeast, from 54 p.c to 32 p.c in its northeast and to a mere 8 p.c in its southwest.

Provincial authorities blamed it on local weather change and two highly effective storms in 2019 and 2021.

Additionally they pointed to unlawful fishing, dredging, development of commercial parks, and waste discharge.

Supply: E.vnexpress.net