Fishing Trawlers Are Blamed For Damage To The Plane Squadron Artificial Reef In Bangtao Bay Off Phuket

[NBT TV Phuket]

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After their placement on the seabed in the Andaman Sea off Bangtao bay in Phuket last November, the current condition of the 10 planes is reportedly not very good. The president of Choeng Thalay Administrative Organization Manote Phanchalad reported that one of the planes has fallen of its base while another one is torn apart. He said his office was notified by the divers that wreckage was spotted 30-40 metres away from the original reef's location as it was swept away by currents. He stated that he had asked for inspections and suspected that it occurred from the strong currents and the violation of fishing trawlers. Mr. Manote further stated that the problem has been rectified as he had related personnel to bring back the plane wrecks to retie them in the best way and imposed surveillance measures to prevent any fishing trawlers from fishing; they also laid out buoys to clearly designate the zone. The plane wreck squadron was placed on the seabed there last November aiming at creating an artificial reef to provide an alternative diving spot for tourists. At present it is still becoming a home for baby corals and fish.

Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 3.30pm, 7pm, 1.30am & 6.30am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & maybe Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Friday 28th August 2009

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The artificial coral reef squadron of planes & helicopters in Bangtao Bay is reported to have been damaged, according to Rainer Gottwald, CEO TDA Diving Association. The squadron was sank off Bangtao bay in November 2008 to form an artificial reef, creating a new diving site and give natural coral reefs a relief from over exploitation. The information was confirmed to Andaman News during a recent general assembly in Phuket of the CMAS or Confederation Mondiale Activities Subaquatic also known as World Underwater Federation, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Its Secretary General, Dr Pierre Dernier, commented after Rainer Gotwald, who stated that damage was caused by fishing trawler anchors and nets: Voices ****

Andaman News NBT TV (VHF dial) at 8.30am & perhaps repeats on Phuket Cable TV channel 1 at 3.30pm, 7pm & 1am, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces & Mazz Radio FM108 at 7pm in Phuket, Monday 18th May 2009

[stevenl]

The real reason is the placement of the artificial reef, exactly at a point where the waves and currents are strong in low season, and the destruction of the artificial reef was to be expected.

The idea was excellent unfortunately there were flaws in the execution.