Authorities in Bac Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, have fined two tourists VND 50 million (USD 1,910) for illegally collecting 10.5kg of protected coral from a beach in Nha Trang Bay.
Local officials confirmed on July 19 that the administrative penalty had been imposed on the two male visitors, both residents of Dong Nai City, for unlawfully harvesting coral from a protected marine area.
Police work with the two men accused of breaking coral branches (Photo: Anh Thinh).
Earlier, the Bac Nha Trang Ward Department of Economy, Infrastructure and Urban Development prepared a violation report and recommended that the ward authorities impose the fine.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 18, when several tourists visiting Hon Chong Beach were seen breaking off coral branches and taking them away as souvenirs. Local residents recorded the incident and shared images and videos on social media, prompting widespread public criticism.
Police later summoned two male tourists, aged 52 and 60, for questioning. Investigators determined that the pair had illegally collected 10.5kg of coral belonging to a protected endangered species.
During questioning, both men admitted the offence and voluntarily handed over all of the illegally collected coral to the authorities.
Officials said the tourists were also informed of Vietnam's environmental protection regulations, received guidance on the importance of conserving marine ecosystems and were required to sign written commitments not to repeat the offence.
The total weight of coral illegally taken by the two men was 10.5 kilogrammes (Photo: Anh Thinh).
Dam Hai Van, head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, said Hon Chong is a protected coral conservation area where warning signs clearly prohibit damage to coral reefs. Nevertheless, some visitors continue to remove coral as souvenirs.
He added that the management board regularly patrols the area with authorities in Bac Nha Trang Ward and conducts public awareness campaigns, particularly during low tide when coral is more accessible. However, limited enforcement resources at certain times and inadequate environmental awareness among some visitors continue to contribute to violations.
