On the afternoon of July 29, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board issued a notice on coordinating the protection of elephants appearing in the Hon Mun sea area (Nha Trang ward).
Mr. Dam Hai Van - Director of Nha Trang Bay Management Board said that recently, there have been whale phenomena appearing in the water near Hon Mun Island - an area in the strictly protected subdivision of the marine reserve.
The appearance of whale near the shore is an important ecological phenomenon, reflecting signs of recovery in the marine environment.
However, the acts of receiving them too close, causing noise or being followed by vehicles at sea can seriously affect the health and biological behavior of this species.
To protect the marine environment and maintain the stability of the ecology of Nha Trang Bay, Nha Trang Bay Management Board requires organizations and individuals operating in the marine area near where the whale does not appear to receive it, keeping a minimum distance of 100 meters for the whale.
This is a necessary safe distance to avoid disturbing the natural activities of this species.
Do not control the pursuit vehicle, turn the head, separate the mother fish from the child (if following the hood) or deliberately steer the boat into the middle of the fish pack.
Inland waterway vehicles serving tourism must not gather around areas with elephants, reduce speed, limit noise, and turn off the engine when stopping to observe to avoid causing stress for individuals.
Do not use flycams at high altitudes that cause loud noises.
Note, Bryde sharks use low- frequency sound waves (low- frequency sound) for orientation and communication, so the noise from engines, flying equipment, loudspeakers, etc. can disrupt their biological functions and behavior.
The Nha Trang Bay Management Board recommends that organizations and individuals join hands to coordinate to increase propaganda to raise awareness among the community, tourists and vehicle operators about the responsibility of protecting wild sea and whale species.
In case of detecting whale or rare marine species, please immediately notify the Nha Trang Bay Management Board. Any violations will be handled according to the provisions of the law.
Through observation of the shape and behavior, it was initially determined that the whale species appearing in Nha Trang Bay is the Bryde whale (Balaenoptera edeni) - a large, rare marine animal with special ecological value.
Bryde whale is protected according to the provisions of Decree No. 06/2019/ND-CP of the Government on the management of endangered, precious and rare forest plants and animals and the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Plant.
Bryde whale is included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention - Convention on International Trade in endangered wildlife and plants.
