Authorities in Nha Trang Bay are investigating a group of tourists accused of breaking off coral and taking it away as souvenirs from a protected coastal area at Hon Chong in Khanh Hoa Province.
Dam Hai Van, head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, said on July 19 that officials were coordinating with authorities in Bac Nha Trang Ward to identify those involved and take action in accordance with the law.
"The Nha Trang Bay Management Board is working with the Bac Nha Trang Ward People's Committee to locate the group of tourists and deal with the case," Van said.
Several people broke off coral at Hon Chong beach and took it home (Photo: Nha Trang Bay Management Board).
According to the management board, Hon Chong is part of a protected coral ecosystem where warning signs clearly prohibit damage to coral reefs. Despite the restrictions, some visitors continue to remove coral as souvenirs.
Van said authorities regularly patrol the area and conduct public awareness campaigns encouraging residents and visitors to protect the reefs, particularly during low tide in the afternoon when coral is more accessible.
However, limited enforcement resources at certain times, combined with poor environmental awareness among a minority of visitors, have allowed such incidents to continue.
The case drew widespread public attention after images and videos circulated on social media on the afternoon of July 18, appearing to show a group of around 10 tourists collecting broken coral branches in plastic bags or carrying them by hand as they left the beach.
The images prompted criticism online, with many calling for stricter enforcement.
One local resident, Le Hung, said warning signs prohibiting damage to coral had long been in place but were still being ignored. He urged authorities to impose tough penalties on those responsible.
According to the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, damaging coral reefs may result in an administrative fine of between VND 50 million (USD 1,910) and VND 100 million (USD 3,820) if the offence is not serious enough to warrant criminal prosecution.
