A Bryde’s whale is seen breaching the surface while hunting, accompanied by seabirds circling above in the waters near Hon Mun Island on July 22.
According to Dam Hai Van, Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, the Bryde’s Whale is a large, ecologically important marine species listed in Appendix II of CITES and protected under Vietnam’s Decree No. 06/2019. Its presence close to shore is considered an important ecological indicator, suggesting signs of marine ecosystem recovery.
However, close human interaction, excessive noise or attempts to follow the whale could negatively affect its health and behaviour. To ensure its safety and preserve the marine environment, local authorities have issued specific guidelines which require people to maintain a minimum distance of 100 metres from the whale; not to chase, block its path or separate it from a group; avoid clustering boats near the animal, reduce speed, limit noise and switch off engines while observing; and not to use low-flying drones or loudspeakers.
Bryde’s Whales rely on low-frequency sound waves for navigation and communication, making them especially vulnerable to noise pollution from boats, drones or loud audio devices.
The management board is also promoting education and awareness among residents and tourists about the importance of protecting whales and other endangered marine species. Anyone spotting a whale or rare marine creature is encouraged to report immediately to the Nha Trang Bay Management Board for proper guidance and protection coordination.
On July 22 and July 28, tourists visiting Nha Trang Bay witnessed a Bryde’s whale breaching the surface while hunting, accompanied by seabirds circling above, a rare spectacle in recent years, indicating a rich and thriving marine environment.
