Con Dao drowning in plastic waste: [2] Ecosystems and tourism are in danger

Life source is being strangled

Once regarded as one of Vietnam’s most pristine and diverse marine ecosystems, the waters around Con Dao boast around 1,400 hectares of coral reefs, 2,400 hectares of seagrass beds, and serve as a habitat for hundreds of marine species, including sea turtles and dugongs - one of Southeast Asia’s rarest marine mammals. However, these ecosystems are now facing severe degradation due to the impact of ocean waste.

According to the Con Dao National Park Management Board, from 2020 to 2024, the area of degrading coral reefs has been increasing, with one of the main causes being plastic waste, abandoned fishing nets, and hard debris entangled in the coral. Plastic waste clinging to the reefs prevents sunlight from reaching the coral, hindering their ability to photosynthesize. Prolonged exposure to such conditions leads to the gradual death of coral reefs and the subsequent loss of habitat for numerous fish species.

Ocean waste not only affects coral reefs but also poses a direct threat to marine creatures. Over the past three years, at least 14 sea turtles have either become entangled in fishing nets or died after ingesting plastic. One alarming case occurred in 2023, when a 70-kg turtle was found near Bai Nhat beach with a stomach full of plastic bags.

In many instances, tourists walking along the shore have discovered endangered sea turtles caught in fishing gear. Recently, while hiking through the forest trail to Dam Tre Bay, Dutch tourists Jos and Kim stumbled upon a pile of discarded fishing waste near the beach. As they approached, Jos noticed movement within the tangled netting and found a hawksbill turtle trapped inside.

The fishing net had tightly wrapped around the turtle’s body, with parts buried under sand, making it impossible for the animal to free itself. Without hesitation, Jos carefully untangled the net and released the hawksbill back into the sea. Kim documented the entire rescue operation and shared the photos and videos with Con Dao National Park authorities for monitoring.

Once ranked among Asia’s top 10 eco-tourism destinations by CNN (2019), Con Dao is renowned for coral diving, turtle nesting observations, mangrove exploration, and spiritual retreats. Yet, the sight of trash-littered beaches is tarnishing the reputation of this once pristine “hidden gem” of Vietnam’s tourism landscape.

Ms. Le Hong Tham, owner of a beachfront homestay, shared: “In the past, European tourists loved Con Dao. They were drawn to its pristine, clear-blue waters. But recently, some groups have complained about trash on the beaches, fewer fish while diving, and bleached coral.”

Not only that, scuba diving tours were once a highlight of Con Dao’s ecotouris, but they have seen a drop in bookings. Since 2024, warming sea temperatures due to climate change have also accelerated coral bleaching. Several tour operators have been forced to adjust their itineraries, opting for land-based activities or rerouting visitors to more remote areas to avoid floating trash.

Con Dao’s once-proud title as a world-class eco-destination is now under threat. At recent tourism conferences, experts repeatedly warned about the damaging impact of plastic pollution on both the island’s image and its long-term ecological value.

More than just reaction, a long-term strategy is needed

Beyond tourism, ocean waste is directly affecting the livelihoods of hundreds of coastal households who rely on nearshore fishing and seafood harvesting.

According to data from the district government, Con Dao currently has over 200 small fishing boats, most operating close to shore. However, in the past three years, catches from these boats have dropped by an average of 20–30%. The decline is partly due to depleted fish stocks, but also because nets are frequently clogged or damaged by marine debris.

Mr. Phong, a fisherman with 30 years of experience, said: “Some days, I haul up the nets three times, and all three times it’s just trash. The nets tear, and I spend the whole day fixing them. No fish, just lost time and money.” Now, instead of going out to sea, he helps diving teams collect underwater trash, earning around 200,000 VND per day - less income, and highly unstable.

Other fishers have had to change jobs or move inland. Meanwhile, younger generations are turning away from life at sea, saying, “The ocean can’t feed us anymore.”

In response to the worsening situation, the Con Dao special administrative district has introduced several initiatives, such as the “Plastic-Reduced Urban Area” model and the “5 No’s” campaign (no votive paper, no styrofoam, no plastic bags, no plastic bottles, no single-use plastic trays), alongside waste sorting at source and large-scale beach clean-up drives. However, according to conservation organizations, most efforts currently focus on coastal waste, while underwater waste - the most dangerous still lacks a sustainable response mechanism.

At present, waste collection is mostly carried out by volunteers and semi-professional divers. Con Dao has yet to establish a dedicated marine waste task force, nor does it have specialized vessels or technologies to track waste flows. Without proper investment, the recovery of its marine ecosystem remains uncertain.

WWF and other international organizations have proposed that the Con Dao authorities establish a specialized task force on marine debris, invest in equipment, provide workforce training, and coordinate waste management efforts from the shoreline to the seafloor. Simultaneously, there is a pressing need to establish cooperation mechanisms with neighboring provinces, the origin of much of the drifting trash to tackle waste at its source.

In the depths of the sea, where sunlight barely reaches, each plastic bag removed from a coral reef by divers is a glimmer of hope. “Con Dao’s sea is still beautiful. The coral is still alive. But it’s breathing weakly. If we don’t act now, it’ll be too late,” said diver Tùng, eyes fixed on the distant coral reef of Hon Tre Lon.

The journey to protect Con Dao’s ocean is far from over. But without professional, synchronized, and urgent action, this marine area was a symbol of untouched nature, may lose what defines it most: life itself.