The Mekong has an effect that extends beyond Vietnam’s coastline and into the marine ecosystem. As the river’s nine channels expel nutrients into the South China sea, they disperse minerals along the coast. In the right concentrations, these minerals are a food
source for plankton, the foundation of the marine ecosystem. The coral reefs off the coast here are home to a wealth of marine biodiversity; from colourful invertebrates to turtles, whale sharks and cuttlefish.