Whales return to Nha Trang Bay.

Whales were spotted in the Hon Mun area of ​​Nha Trang Bay on the morning of May 26th. The management unit assessed this as a positive sign for the local marine ecosystem.

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board announced that a whale was spotted in the Hon Mun protected area of ​​Nha Trang Bay on the morning of May 26th. The unit considers the whale's appearance a positive sign for the bay's ecological environment.

To ensure the safety of whales and minimize the impact on their natural behavior, the Management Board requests that organizations, individuals, and vessels operating in the bay comply with protective measures. Vessels must maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from whales, avoiding close approaches or actions that disrupt the species' natural activities.

The authorities also requested that boats refrain from chasing, blocking, intentionally driving into the middle of whale pods, or separating mother whales from their calves if they are in pairs. For inland waterway vessels used for tourism , the management agency recommended avoiding large gatherings around whale-infested areas, reducing speed, minimizing noise, and turning off engines when observing to avoid stressing the animals.

The management also advises against using drones (flycams) at low altitudes that produce loud noise. Whales use low-frequency sound waves for navigation and communication. Therefore, noise from boat engines, flycams, or loudspeakers can disrupt the biological functions and behavior of the species.

Whales were spotted in Nha Trang Bay on July 28, 2024. Photo: VP

The agency recommended strengthening public awareness campaigns for the community, tourists, and vehicle operators about their responsibility to protect whales and other marine wildlife.

In the event of spotting whales or rare marine animals, people are advised to immediately notify the Management Board to coordinate protection efforts. The Management Board calls on organizations and individuals to join hands in conserving marine animals, stating that violations will be dealt with according to the law.

Last year, in just one week in July, large whales appeared twice in the Hon Mun area of ​​the Nha Trang Bay marine protected area. During that time, authorities also requested that locals and tourists not disturb the whales' activities.

Whales hunt in the sea near Phuoc Dong fishing village, O Loan commune (formerly Phu Yen province, now part of Dak Lak province ) on May 15. Photo: My Ha.

Recently, whales have been frequently spotted in the waters off Dak Lak. Prior to this, starting on the morning of May 15th, in the area of ​​Cu Lao Mai Nha, O Loan commune (formerly Phu Yen, now Dak Lak), two Bryde's whales ( scientific name Balaenoptera edeni or Balaenoptera brydei), each about 10 meters long, appeared and foraged more than 300 meters from the shore.

According to the People's Committee of O Loan commune, the appearance of whales surfacing to hunt in this sea area is a rare natural phenomenon, indicating that the marine ecosystem is showing positive signs of recovery.

However, reports indicate that some fishing boats, canoes, watercraft, tourists, and photographers have spontaneously approached too close to film and photograph whales hunting. In some cases, they even accelerated and chased the whales, affecting their natural habits and habitat.

The People's Committee of O Loan commune advises residents, fishermen, and tourists not to chase or surround whale sightings. Vehicles should proactively reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, minimize engine noise, and absolutely not obstruct the whales' path.

A whale hunting its prey at sea near Phuoc Dong fishing village, O Loan commune (formerly Phu Yen province, now part of Dak Lak province) on May 15th. Photo: My Ha.

Bryde's whales are nearshore species, commonly found in the waters of Vietnam, China, and Thailand, particularly around the Gulf of Thailand. In Vietnam, they have been recorded in the South Central and Southern provinces. In Phu Yen province specifically, the frequency of Bryde's whale sightings has increased significantly over the past five years.

These are large marine animals belonging to the humpback whale family, easily recognizable by the three ridges running along the top of their heads and numerous folds in the throat area. They average about 13.5 meters in length and weigh about 15.5 tons, feeding on schools of fish such as anchovies, herring, and sardines.

Whales have long been regarded by Vietnamese fishermen as guardian deities of the sea, respectfully called "Ông Cá" (Mr. Whale). In many coastal localities, when whales die and wash ashore, people still organize burials and worship according to traditional customs.

Nha Trang Bay, covering nearly 250 square kilometers, is one of 16 marine protected areas in Vietnam. It is considered "one of the rare natural models of bay and lagoon systems in the world," containing most of the typical ecosystems of the tropical marine region, with coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds being considered representative ecosystems.

In particular, with 40% of the world's reef-building corals, this area is considered to be of international importance and has the highest level of biodiversity in Vietnam.

Source: https://znews.vn/ca-voi-tro-lai-vinh-nha-trang-post1654165.html