The Ca Mau Department of Seas, Islands and Fisheries Surveillance said the survey identified branching coral and lobed massive coral in the waters around Hon Chuoi and Hon Da Bac islands.
The discovery resulted from a joint survey of marine biodiversity and fisheries resources conducted by the department and the Centre for Marine Life Conservation and Community Development (MCD).
According to the department, both coral species are listed among Vietnam's and the world's endemic, endangered and rare marine species.
"These species have small wild populations and require protection to preserve marine biodiversity not only in Ca Mau but also in Vietnam and globally," said Bui Nhat Phuong, deputy head of the department.
To strengthen protection of rare marine species, Ca Mau authorities have approved a VND 18 billion (USD 686,000) project to install 200 specialised boundary buoys around the marine protected area.
The protected area, established in 2024, covers 27,000 hectares, encompassing the Hon Khoai, Hon Chuoi and Hon Da Bac island clusters, which play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of Vietnam's southernmost marine waters.
