Protection of the area started with a pilot project called the "Trao Reef Marine Reserve" which received permission from the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee (Document 2479/UB, dated September 11, 2001) and technical and financial support from the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) (previously the International Marine Alliance (IMA)). Of particular import is the fact that Van Ninh district communities were directly involved in the formation and implementation of the Trao Reef Marine Reserve. As such, it is considered to be the first local, small scale marine reserve in Vietnam.

According to expert assessment, the Trao Reef Marine Reserve model has been successful in recovering a valuable coral reef, improving habitat for highly valuable fisheries resources, and contributing to marine environment protection. Other areas are learning from the model, including the Dua Reef, in Tam Hai Commune, Quang Nam Province, and the Vinh Tuong [Reef?] in Phuoc Dinh Commune, Ninh Thuan Province.

Although Trao Reef doesn't meet the current Vietnamese requirements for marine reserve status, the practical achievements of this model have made a positive contribution to coastal resource management, both locally and nationally. In recognition of this, the Van Ninh People's Committee is cooperating with the Khanh Hoa Departments of Natural Resources and Environment and Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as MCD to work towards finalizing the legal status of Trao Reef.

"Document 4671 issued by the Khanh Hoa People's Committee recognizes the local community's contribution and authority in marine ecosystem environment management and protection. Decision 1738 issued by the Van Ninh People‘s Committee has created a legal basis encouraging local authorities and the community to continue managing and protecting biodiversity and the marine ecosystem environment in the Trao Reef coastal zone in particular, and in the surrounding coastal zone in general," said Mr. Dao Van Luong, the Head of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Van Ninh District, and one of the Trao Reef Marine Reserve's dedicated local officers.

MCD Deputy Director, Ho Thi Yen Thu, said, "The recognition of Trao Reef as a marine protected area is not only a great spiritual encouragement for community members who have contributed to protecting the Trao Reef area, but is also an example of effective cooperation among three sides - the local community, state management offices at all levels, and civil society - towards the common cause of protecting the environment and marine resources for future generations.

The Provincial People's Committee communicated this decision to the Van Ninh District People's Committee and related departments and branches in  document No 4671/UBND, dated July 29, 2008. Based on this document, the Van Ninh District People's Committee made decision No 1738/QĐ-UBND to officially establish the Trao Reef Marine Ecosystem Protected Area.