Nha Phu-Hon Heo Proposed Marine Protected Area
| Alternative site name(s) Nha Phu bay Province(s) Khanh Hoa Area 5,600 ha Coordinates 12°17' - 22°27'N, 109°09' - 109°24'E Agro-ecological zone South Central Coast Decreed by government No Management board established No |
Investment plan prepared No VCF eligibility criteria met None Social screening criteria met None Conservation needs assessment prepared No Operational management plan prepared No Tracking tool completed No Yes |
Management history
On 1 March 1988, Nha Phu Fisheries Protection Area was established by Decision No. 07/UB of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee. Subsequently, the provincial authorities proposed combining Nha Phu bay and Hon Heo peninsula into a single protected area (ADB 1999). In 1999, the Asian Development Bank (ADB 1999) proposed establishing a marine protected area called Nha Phu-Hon Heo, with a total area of 5,600 ha, comprising a terrestrial component of 1,100 ha and a marine component of 4,500 ha.
Topography and hydrology
Nha Phu-Hon Heo proposed marine protected area is located in Ninh Hoa district, Khanh Hoa province. The proposed marine protected area comprises Nha Phu bay and Hon Heo peninsula. Nha Phu bay is fed by the Dinh, Da Ban and Ca Lam rivers, and is sheltered from the open sea by the Hon Heo peninsula. On the seaward side of the peninsula, there are submerged banks and coral reefs, which are recommended for inclusion within the marine protected area (ADB 1999).
Biodiversity values
Nha Phu bay is rich in marine biodiversity, while the Hon Heo peninsula supports primary forest (ADB 1999).
Conservation issues
A large number of fishers operate in Nha Phu bay. Sometimes, these fishers employ illegal and destructive fishing techniques, such as use of explosives, which are having severe negative impacts on the coral reefs outside of the bay. The mangrove in the bay has been extensively cleared as a result of aquacultural development. The high human population in the immediate area and a lack of financial incentives to protect the environment are major obstacles to conservation of the site (ADB 1999).
Other documented values
Nha Phu bay is an important breeding and nursery ground for shrimp and fish species. Among the economically valuable species recorded at the site are Mullet Mugil cephalus, Giant Seaperch Lates calcarifer, Giant Tiger Prawn Penaeus monodon and Blue Mussel Mytilus smaragdinus. However, some of these species, particularly Mullet and Giant Tiger Prawn, have been over-exploited (ADB 1999).
The landscape of the proposed marine protected is very picturesque, and the site is easily accessible from Nha Trang city. Consequently, the site has high potential for tourism development (ADB 1999).
Related projects
No information.
Conservation needs assessment
A conservation needs assessment has not been conducted for the site.
Operational management plan
An operational management plan has not been prepared for the site.
Eligibility against VCF criteria
The site is ineligible for VCF support because it is not a Special-use Forest.
| Criterion |
Eligibility |
| AI |
|
| AII |
|
| BI |
|
| BII |
|
| BIII |
|
| CI |
|
| CII |
Social screening requirements
A social screening report has not been prepared for the site.
| Criterion |
Eligibility |
| A |
|
| B |
|
| C |
|
| D |
Literature sources
ADB (1999) Draft coastal and marine protected areas plan. Hanoi: Asian Development Bank.
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