Nha Trang Bay Management Board has proposed strict fines for people caught illegally fishing in Hon Mun Marine Protected Area.
A fine from VND 25-35 million (USD1,123-1,572) has just been proposed by the board for two local fishermen who were caught fishing in the area on August 21.
Nha Trang Bay Management Board detained a fishing boat for illegally fishing in Hon Mun Marine Protected Area on August 21.
Head of the board, Huynh Binh Thai, said that Hon Mun Marine Protected Area boasts a diversified marine life with many rare species which are under threat due to the rising number of illegal fishing activities by local people.
"Marine life has been seriously affected by the use of explosives and chemicals to catch fish by local fishermen," Thai said. "It's time we issued strict punishments to prevent further violations.
Hon Mun Marine Protected Area was established in 2001 with financial support from the World Bank, the Danish government, and the World Conservation Union. The area is home to 340 out of the total 800 coral species in the world. Since the project was initiated, it has sought to plan for the sustainable management of the Nha Trang Bay while undertaking community development activities to support local users of the bay’s resources.
