Phuket oil spill threatens ecosystem, 4 sea turtles found dead already

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An oil spill originating from an unverified source, suspected to be a ship, has contaminated the shores of Sirinat National Park and Koh Racha Yai. Authorities have already managed to clear up around three tonnes of oil.

 

The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Pornsri Suthanaruk, met yesterday with experts in maritime and coastal ecosystems, the director of Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre, Upper Andaman Sea branch, and deputy governor of Phuket – Amnuay Pinsuwan. The team deliberated on clean-up measures to combat the Phuket oil spill.

 

The Phuket oil spill is projected to have begun off the coast of the neighbouring Phangnga province last week, later making its way to Koh Racha Yai, Phuket by the weekend. Approximately two tonnes of oil were collected from the sandy beaches of Sirinat National Park, while the remaining one tonne came from Koh Racha Yai.

Experts are also taking into account the environmental impact. The colossal slick has put vulnerable undersea coral, spread across 4,000 rai from Phangnga to Phuket at risk.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre's Region 3

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/phuket-oil-spill-threatens-ecosystem-4-sea-turtles-found-dead-already

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-09

 

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