On the morning of May 26th, speaking with Thanh Nien newspaper , Mr. Dam Hai Van, Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, confirmed the sighting of a whale in the Hon Mun protected area of Nha Trang Bay ( Khanh Hoa province ). Immediately after receiving the information, the Nha Trang Bay Management Board issued a notice with several specific requests to ensure the safety of this rare marine animal.
Accordingly, locals and tourists must maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from whales, and must not chase, block, separate mother whales from their calves, or intentionally drive vessels into the middle of the pod. Inland waterway vessels serving tourism are not allowed to gather in large numbers around whale-infested areas, must reduce speed, minimize noise, and turn off their engines when stopped for observation.
Whales were spotted in Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa province) on the morning of May 26th.
PHOTO: NHA TRANG BAY MANAGEMENT BOARD
Specifically, drones should not be used at low altitudes that generate loud noise. The management notes that whales use low-frequency sound waves for navigation and communication, therefore noise from engines, drones, and loudspeakers can disrupt the biological functions and behavior of the species. Any violations will be dealt with according to the law.
Previously, in the summer of 2025, Bryde's whales – a species protected under Government Decree No. 06/2019 and the CITES Convention – also appeared several times in the sea area near Hon Mun Island. The Nha Trang Bay Management Board immediately issued a notice requiring vessels to maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from the whales. At that time, Mr. Dam Hai Van, Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, emphasized that using whales to attract tourists was discouraged because it would be counterproductive in preserving the habitat of this rare animal.
Whales hunting in the waters off Hon Mun Island, Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa province), summer 2025.
PHOTO: NHA TRANG BAY MANAGEMENT BOARD
Experts consider the whale's appearance a positive sign for conservation efforts, indicating a significant improvement in seawater quality and food sources in Nha Trang Bay.
In the event of spotting whales or other rare marine animals, residents and tourists are requested to immediately notify the Nha Trang Bay Management Board through Ms. Cao Thi Truc Duyen, Head of the Conservation Department, at phone number 0975.184.239 for guidance and coordination in protection efforts.