By TV Channel 7 and Thai Newsroom
A SURVEY carried out during Jan. 9-15 shows that the coral reefs at Similan Islands are in good condition with no sign of bleaching, TV Channel 7 said today (Jan. 22).
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said the survey of the Similan Islands National Park off Phang Nga was carried out by the Marine National Park Research and Study Centre 2 (Phuket) in collaboration with this park’s officials to monitor the health of the valuable underwater ecosystem.
The survey covered 14 monitoring stations across the Similan Islands, including Koh Huyong (north), Koh Payang (east), Koh Miang (Hat Lek and to the north), Koh Ha (Hin Muan Diao), Koh Payu (north, East of Eden and West of Eden), Koh Similan (west, Ao Fai Waep, Ao Ngong Chang and upper east), and Koh Ba-ngu (Ao Namchai and Ao Khon Kae).
Officials carefully collected data, including the status of corals, juvenile corals, coral diseases, fish species and their population, invertebrates, and debris left on the coral reefs, in order to fully assess the overall condition of the marine ecosystem.
Initial results show the coral reefs at this national park are in good condition, with no signs of coral bleaching, which is a positive sign for the health of the underwater ecosystem. All collected data will be fully analysed further for conservation and sustainable management planning.
Similan is a Yawi or Malay word meaning nine referring to the nine islands that make up the archipelago, which is part of Phang Nga’s Khura Buri district and around 70 kilometres from Thap Lamu pier.
These islands cover a combined total of 87,500 rai or 140 square kilometres and are recognised as one of the world’s ten best diving sites with there also being many shallow water snorkelling spots.
Many types of corals can be found here, including Seriatopora Hystrix, which only proliferates around Surin and Similan islands, and a variety of marine life including sponges, soft corals, Gorgoniidae, lobsters, clams, whales, bottle nosed dolphins, moray eels, several species of sea turtle and over 50 species of fish.
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Beautiful and healthy corals and other marine life at Similan Islands. Photo – TV Channel 7
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