Ông Nam Hải

Ông Nam Hải temples, nestled within Vietnamese fishing villages, house the skeletal remains of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, reflecting a deep cultural reverence for these marine mammals as ancestors and protectors. Despite historical damages from wars, over 84 documented temples maintained by the Vạn Chài fishing guilds offer insights into past marine biodiversity. Today, these traditions face challenges from declining fish stocks, urban migration, and environmental changes.

 

Our project with the Centre for Endangered Species and Conservation aims to engage local youth and Vạn Chài elders in preserving and revitalizing whale worship traditions through marine mammal conservation efforts, intergenerational dialogue, and educational initiatives.