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Reef geomorphology, species composition and community structure of reef-building corals of Ninh Hai (south central Vietnam) were investigated from 2003-2011, contributing towards development of an integrated, representative national and regional network of Marine Protected Areas. Ninh Hai hosts extensive and diverse fringing coral reefs covering more than 2,300ha, the result of favourable physico-chemical conditions of sea temperature, water clarity, and sediment levels. These well-developed fringing reefs are rare or absent in other parts of Vietnam, and hence provide a high degree of complementarity to the developing national MPA network. The fringing reefs of Ninh Hai are in relatively good condition (average live coral cover > 25%), comprised of some 310 species from 60 genera of reef-building coral, including 11 species and one genus (Scapophyllia) previously unknown from the western South China Sea. Coral community structure shows considerable differences with other reefs in Vietnam. With the adjacent dry coastal forest ecosystem, these reefs are now protected within the Nui Chua National Park, one of very few examples of integrated conservation management of a terrestrial-coastal marine ecosystem in Vietnam or indeed Southeast Asia. The regular presence of cool water upwelling during the summer months may provide a "refuge" against future reef degradation from extensive coral death from 'bleaching' during episode of elevated sea temperatures. These reefs may thus aid in replenishment of other reefs, via dispersal and recruitment of corals locally and regionally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the coral called Leptoseris kalayaanensis found in South China Sea. It references a study by Bert W. Hoeksema at the National Museum of Natural History in the Netherlands, and his colleagues, published in an issue of "Zoological Studies." The researchers studied a specimen that was photographed on the side of a big boulder under a steep cliff, which has a white coral margin and white-tipped spines. They conclude that the coral represents the first ever record of the species from Vietnam.