There are only seven living species of sea turtles in the world. Five of which can be found in Nha Trang Bay including Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea and Dermochelys coriacea. These are listed as endangered species by IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Adult female sea turtles go to land to nest at night. This can take place every two to four years in maturity. They make from one to ten nests, 80-120 eggs each, per season. Only a very small proportion of each hatch survive (1/1000). The survivors then proceed into the open ocean. The mature nesting female hauls herself onto the beach and finds suitable sand on which to create a nest. To protect sea turtles, some sea turtles reserves have been set up in Nui Chua National Park (Ninh Thuan), Con Dao (Ba Ria, Vung Tau) and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang).
Nevertheless, due to destructive fishing practice, the number of sea turtles has decreased significantly. Some locals says that sea turtles used to lay eggs on the beaches in Nha Trang City and some islands such as Tre Island, Mun Island…However, many turtles have been killed for food, scutes and skin. In recent years, few marine turtles have been found to return to nest on Nha Trang Bay.
Dam Hai Van, the Managing Board of Nha Trang Bay Reserve said, "The sea turtle nests which have just been found on Tre island are a delighted sign for the local sea creature conservation. However, urgent efforts of many agencies and organizations are required to protect the marine environment as well as to raise public awareness of turtle protection."
Reportedly, the three nests found on Yen island have been in the good care of Khanh Hoa Salangane’s Nest Company. There are about 108 hatchlings so far. Huynh Ba, Head of Environment Management Board, Khanh Hoa Salangane’s Nest Company said, “We have made great effort to protect the eggs and hatchlings. When the hatchlings reach 15-20 cm in size, we will release them out to the sea.”
The fact that sea turtles land onto Nha Trang Bay to lay eggs is good news for marine environmental conservation. However, to protect the sea creature more effectively, goverment and grassroots efforts are required. A sea turtle reserve in Nha Trang Bay is also recommended.