Visiting sea turtle nesting grounds is one of the forms of marine ecotourism that Binh Dinh province pays special attention to and orients for development. This is considered a part of the task of planning sea turtle nesting grounds conservation areas, and is closely linked with tourism development in the communes.
According to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2010, Binh Dinh has turtle nesting grounds distributed in a number of coastal and island communes, of which Nhon Hai commune has two locations: Hai Giang beach and Hon Kho beach. However, since 2021, a new nesting ground has appeared on the beach in front of the commune's residential area.
Visiting sea turtle nesting grounds is one of the forms of marine ecotourism that Binh Dinh province is particularly interested in.
In less than half a month, at the beach right in front of the residential area of Nhon Hai commune, there have been two waves of sea turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. On the night of May 21, a mother turtle came ashore and laid 103 eggs. Then, on the night of June 2, another mother turtle continued to come ashore and laid 102 more eggs. It is known that immediately after the turtles laid eggs, local authorities deployed security forces to protect the nests until they successfully hatched.
Both mother turtles are similar in size, measuring approximately 0.94 meters in length, 0.86 meters in shell width, and estimated to weigh more than 90 kilograms. They are green turtles, also known as loggerhead sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), a species that is considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The appearance of a new sea turtle nesting ground on the beach in front of the residential area of Nhon Hai commune (Quy Nhon city) is a positive sign that the marine environment in this area is improving and is gradually becoming a suitable habitat for sea turtles.
The appearance of new sea turtle nesting grounds at the beach is a positive sign.
In particular, the good conservation of sea turtle nesting grounds is an important achievement, not only helping to maintain aquatic resources but also contributing positively to the development of local community tourism. This enhancement not only protects the environment and preserves rare animals but also affirms the role of the community in protecting and developing sustainable aquatic resources and marine tourism.
Nhon Hai Commune People's Committee said that this locality is currently implementing 5 types of tourism products, including: marine eco-tourism; cultural experience tourism; entertainment and sports tourism on the sea; culinary tourism; shopping and night tourism. In particular, marine eco-tourism includes activities such as diving to see coral; watching green mossy rocks, seaweed fields, turtle-laying beaches; cross-sea roads; visiting the North and South reefs, Hon Kho; swimming, and sightseeing.
