Tourists fined $2,000 for breaking coral in Nha Trang

Two tourists from Dong Nai province have been fined a total of 50 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $2,000 USD) for illegally breaking off more than 10 kilograms of coral in Nha Trang to use as souvenirs. The incident gained attention after a video documenting the act circulated widely on Facebook.

Local authorities in Bac Nha Trang ward, Khanh Hoa province, issued administrative violation notices and imposed the fines on the two individuals, identified as Mr. Vu Van B. and Mr. Vu Van Y. They were penalized for illegally exploiting aquatic species belonging to Group II of the list of endangered, rare aquatic species, and those listed in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

During questioning, the tourists stated they were part of a group of about 10 people visiting Nha Trang. On the afternoon of July 18, 2026, while swimming in the Hon Chong area, they broke off coral branches to take home as mementos. They claimed they did not realize the area was part of a marine protected zone.

An inspection by the Nha Trang Bay Management Board confirmed that approximately 10.5 kilograms of small branching coral, identified as Acropora coral, had been removed from the reef. This species plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of coral reef ecosystems. The Bac Nha Trang ward People's Committee, in coordination with the Nha Trang Bay Management Board and other relevant agencies, conducted the investigation.

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board is actively working to protect the local marine environment. The area near Hon Chong features about 11 hectares of coral reefs, including recovering and established reefs aged 5-10 years. To aid in their recovery, a temporary protected zone has been established from May to August 2026 in the Hon Chong - Dang Tat sea area. The board regularly posts warning signs and conducts outreach to remind tourists, particularly those engaged in activities like kayaking, to avoid protected coral reef areas and to minimize any actions that could negatively impact the marine ecosystem. Current regulations strictly prohibit any activities that harm the ecosystem, including harvesting aquatic species within protected zones.