Report Call for Action: Volunteers Unite to Remove Large Fishing Nets in Satun's Coral Reefs

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Coral reef entangled in fishing nets | Photo via Rainan Denben/Facebook

 

A recent online plea from Facebook user Rainan Denben has garnered attention for the urgent removal of fishing nets entangled in coral reefs near Koh Bulon Le in Satun province. Although located outside national park boundaries, the area, known as The White Rock, falls under the care of dedicated volunteers and divers who routinely work to preserve marine life.

 

The use of nets in fishing is strictly regulated due to their potential to disrupt ecological balance. Nevertheless, some methods still harm nature irreparably. On May 17, a combined group of guides and off-duty park officials joined efforts to remove such a net, successfully retrieving one over 100 metres long. However, their mission uncovered a second, larger and more destructive net, exceeding 20 metres in width and over 100 metres in length, posing a dire threat to the coral.

 

Removing this net requires at least two diving teams, two or three surface recovery members, and a small boat to haul the net away. The team faces a race against time as adverse weather is imminent, pressing the need for immediate action without waiting for government intervention.

 

Rainan's post appeals for both physical and financial support, directing those interested to contact the Reef Guardian Thailand page. The community's response has been heartening, assembling over 20 experienced volunteers from various sectors and amassing nearly 20,000 baht in donations. Additionally, local dive shops and liveaboard boats have generously supplied air tanks and necessary equipment.

 

Preparations are set for Wednesday, the 21st, when the team intends to undertake this critical operation. Rainan expressed deep gratitude for the support received, pledging that no effort will go to waste and promising periodic updates on their progress. This collective action underscores the power of community collaboration in protecting our delicate marine ecosystems.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-19