Due to coral bleaching several islands within 7 marine national parks in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand have been temporarily closed to allow coral reefs affected by bleaching to recover and regenerate.
Thailand Dive Ban
Here is a list of the marine national parks and the handful of islands within them that have been affected by the ban. Please note that all other marine national parks remain open and operating as normal. Thailand’s general tourism industry continues to operate as usual too.
Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park in Trang province : Ko Chueak island
Mu Ko Petra Marine National Park in Satun province : Ko Bu Lone Mai Pai island
Tarutao Marine National Park : The islands of Ko Takieng, Ko Hin Ngam, Ko Rawi, Hat Sai Khao and Ko Dong
Chumphon Marine National Park : Ko Ma Prao
Hat Nopparattara – Mu Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park : Hin Klang
Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park in Phang-nga province : Ao Mae Yai bay, Ao Mangkon bay, Ao Jak bay, Ao Tao bay, Ko Torinla
Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park in Phang-nga province : Ao Fai Wap bay, Ko Payu or East of Eden
Note: All other marine national parks remain open and are operating normally.
Why have these marine national parks been closed?
The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has reported that coral reefs at several sites along Thailand’s Andaman coast and in the Gulf of Thailand have been affected by coral bleaching – a phenomenon in which coral loses colour and becomes paler or completely white. Corals that have been exposed to environmental stress for an extended period of time are vulnerable to bleaching.
The key to stopping and reversing the situation is to immediately alleviate the environmental stress to prevent further damage to the affected reefs and create a more favourable environment that allows the coral colonies to recover and regenerate.
Hence to facilitate the speedy recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas, the DNP, on 20 January 2011, announced the temporary closure of several key diving sites in seven marine national parks.
Response from Tourism Authority of Thailand:
“Thailand’s natural resources are precious and we support the decision to protect the reefs so that future generations can continue to enjoy these world famous dive sites in years to come. TAT actively promotes and encourages responsible travel and sustainable tourism practices and therefore we respect the Ministry’s decision to apply these restrictions. However, we don’t want tourists to be discouraged from travelling to Thailand altogether and so this information and further updates will be sent to our media partners and dive tour operators when available. We will be in contact with dive tour operators over the coming weeks to monitor the affect, if any, on Thailand sales too.”
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