Tuy Phong launched project to protect sea turtles in Hon Cau marine protected area

Covering the area of 12,500 hectares (including 140 hectares of island area), Hon Cau MPA is situated in Phuoc The commune of Tuy Phong district. The reserve has diverse ecosystems such as: coral reef, sea grass, etc. It is home to many rare aquatic species with high economic and ecological values, including sea turtles – a specially-rare species which is at risk of extinction.

Sea turtles are present along the coastline of Tuy Phong waters, stretching from Vinh Tan to Binh Thanh, but Hon Cau MPA is place where the highest concentration of sea turtles gathers for living and laying eggs. Every year, about 5 to 10 sea turtles flock to the location to lay eggs.

In 2015, the Management Board of Hon Cau MPA protected 3 nests with over 200 eggs laid by 10 sea turtles. As a result, 100 baby turtles were hatched under the traditional way without any technical application, so the hatchability is low.

The project-launching ceremony triggered in the joy of crowded fishermen in Phuoc The commune as it can help protect the rare marine turtles, develop the community-based ecotourism and the surrounding environment.

Farmers’ Union of Tuy Phong district is investor of the project under the sponsor of Vietnam’s small-scale project program, Global Environment Funding (GEF) with the total investment of VND 1,780 million within a period of 2 years. After completion, the location will be full of potentials for Tuy Phong’s marine ecotourism development

My Thien (Source: Binh Thuan Online)