(VOVWORLD) - After years of absence, sea turtles have made a remarkable return to Nha Trang Bay in Khanh Hoa Province, signaling hope for ongoing conservation efforts.
 Sea turtles sighted in Nha Trang Bay: A positive indicator for marine conservation |
A recent dashcam video captured by a conservationist revealed the sighting of a sea turtle in the Hon Mun sea area. This marks the first appearance of these turtles in Nha Trang Bay in many years.
Nguyen Van Quyet, a tourist visiting the area, said: "The return of turtles to Nha Trang Bay brings joy and happiness to everyone. We must work to preserve the ecology of the bay."
The reappearance of sea turtles is not just a good sign but also a reminder of the need for ocean protection. Many species of sea turtles in Vietnam are at risk of extinction due to environmental pollution and overexploitation. Their presence in Hon Mun suggests an improvement in the marine ecological environment of Nha Trang Bay, as these creatures are known to inhabit areas with clean water and abundant food sources.
Dam Hai Van, Deputy Head of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, said: "This can be considered an assessment of environmental quality. If the area has good environmental conditions and ample food, sea turtles will thrive there."
Vietnam is home to five species of sea turtles, including leatherback, green, and hawksbill turtles, all of which are listed in the Vietnam Red Book. The number of turtles coming ashore to lay eggs has drastically decreased from around 10,000 individuals per year in the 1980s to just 450 in 2019. Historically, sea turtles were commonly seen at Bai Bang islet for nesting.
To protect sea turtles in Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa province has established a designated breeding area and is committed to maintaining a pollution-free marine environment to reduce risks to sea turtles. Since last October, a regulation prohibiting tourists from bringing disposable plastic items onto boats has been in place to minimize plastic waste in the ocean.
Currently, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board is collaborating with the International Union for Conservation of Nature to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for sea turtles, with a particular focus on protecting Bai Bang islet, a key nesting site.