Negative changes of coral reefs due to the natural catastrophes recorded recently in South Viet Nam

Abstract

Coral reef monitoring has been implemented since the year of 2000 and provided a series of data on the trend of 10 coastal coral reef locations in South Viet Nam. Through this monitoring programme and supplementary surveys, it was recorded a number of catastrophes which caused in serious negative changes of coral reefs. They included: extensive algae bloom in Ca Na bay (2002); Crown of Thorn Starfish bloom in Nha Trang, Van Phong and Cam Ranh bays (2002 – 2004); combination of high water temperature and low salinity in short period in Con Dao islands (2005); flooding discharge from the mainland to Cu Lao Cham island (2007); and extensive coral bleaching in Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands (2010). Under impacts of these catastrophes, coral cover was seriously reduced and coral mass mortality was hightly recorded. A number of observations indicated slow recovery of hard corals and changes of reef communities following extensive impacts. Degradation of coral reefs due to natural catastrophes should be considered by MPA authorities via planning and management practices in order to enhance ecological resilience and minimize impacts to marine biodiversity.