Coral Bleaching Crisis Affects 21 Marine Parks in Thailand

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Photo by Petchrung Sukpong (Aey)

 

Extensive coral bleaching has been discovered in 21 marine parks across Thailand, spanning the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department reported the issue arose between April and early June, significantly impacting marine life in these regions.

 

In the Andaman Sea, marine parks such as Mu Ko Ranong, Mu Ko Surin, Mu Ko Similan, Laem Son, and several others reported coral bleaching. Similarly, in the Gulf of Thailand, parks including Mu Ko Chang, Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samed, Sam Roi Yot, and Mu Ko Chumphon were also affected.

 

The department's findings indicated varying levels of severity across the affected locations. Out of 182 surveyed spots within the 21 marine parks, 79 exhibited very serious bleaching, 71 showed serious signs, and the remaining locations experienced mild bleaching.

 

While the department didn’t directly cite causes for this extensive coral bleaching, marine experts such as Thon Thamrongnawasawat have attributed it to unusually warm seawater temperatures this year.

 

This warming trend has stressed coral ecosystems, causing them to expel the symbiotic algae that give them colour and, more critically, their primary source of energy.

 

In response to this ecological crisis, seven marine parks, including Mu Ko Phetra, Mu Ko Chang, Hat Chao Mai, Hat Nopparat Tara-Mu Ko Phi Phi, Sirinart, and Than Bok Khorani, have been temporarily closed to visitors. Additionally, six other parks are closed seasonally, though it is unclear if this measure directly relates to the bleaching event.

 

This mass coral bleaching event highlights the fragility of marine ecosystems in the face of rising global temperatures and underscores the urgent need for climate action and conservation efforts. This ongoing situation is a reminder of the delicate balance within our oceans and the far-reaching impacts of climate change on biodiversity and environmental health.

 

-- 2024-06-07

 

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[JimHuaHin]

This is happening globally to coral reefs.

[hotchilli]

Mother nature will take care of itself.... humans think they have all the answers, but they're wrong.

She has the last word.

[BritScot]

5 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

This is happening globally to coral reefs.

No it is not! Great Barrier Reef is expanding. Stop peddling the cult.

[BritScot]

Thailand stop dumping your wast and untreated sewage into the sea. 

[Purdey]

Tourists may play a role but isn't water temperature the main factor?

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_bleach.html

[Moonlover]

On 6/7/2024 at 1:43 PM, BritScot said:

On 6/7/2024 at 8:25 AM, JimHuaHin said:

This is happening globally to coral reefs.

 

On 6/7/2024 at 1:43 PM, BritScot said:

No it is not! Great Barrier Reef is expanding. Stop peddling the cult.

 

Completely wrong. Read this account from WWF Australia. Coral Bleaching GBR

 

On 6/7/2024 at 1:45 PM, BritScot said:

Thailand stop dumping your wast and untreated sewage into the sea. 

 

Wrong again. It has been proven that Coral bleaching is caused by high water temperatures just as it says in the article.