Authorities in Nha Trang, Vietnam, are currently investigating a group of tourists who were reported to have broken and collected coral in the Hòn Chồng area, part of the Nha Trang Bay conservation zone. The incident occurred on July 18, and local officials received complaints from residents who were outraged by the tourists' actions, which threaten the delicate coral ecosystem that is under strict protection.

According to Đàm Hải Vân, the director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, the area where the incident took place is home to approximately 11 hectares of coral reef, with coral formations ranging from 5 to 10 years old, as well as areas that are currently undergoing restoration. The management board has implemented strict regulations prohibiting both locals and tourists from entering the coral and seagrass regions, as well as from engaging in activities that could harm the ecosystem.

Violators of these regulations can face hefty fines ranging from 50 to 100 million VND. In light of the recent incident, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board has temporarily designated the Hòn Chồng - Đặng Tất area for protection from May to August, restricting activities between 4 PM and 6 PM during low tide, particularly in the middle and late lunar months. In June, several tourists were reminded by authorities for paddleboarding too close to the coral reefs in the same area.

To enhance protection efforts, the management board has installed warning signs and regularly deploys patrols to remind visitors of the regulations. However, the influx of tourists during the summer season has made monitoring challenging due to limited personnel. If the amount of coral damaged in this incident is estimated at around 13 kg, the violators could face fines of 30 to 40 million VND, according to Article 8, Clause 2 of Decree 38/2024 issued by the government.