Khanh Hoa, Aug. 8 -- A large whale was spotted on August 7 near Hon Mun island in Nha Trang bay, the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, drawing crowds of tourists and locals.

This marks the third time the animal whale has been sighted in the waters since July 28, which scientists say signals improving marine health.

According to Dam Hai Van, Director of the Nha Trang Bay Management Board, initial observations suggest the animal is a Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), a rare and ecologically valuable species protected under Vietnam law and listed in Appendix II of CITES.

Tran Van Phu, head of Nha Trang's tourist boat station, called the sighting an important ecological event, reflecting the bay's recovery. Visitors showed excitement ...