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Research team collecting Phuket corals mistaken as poachers
Phuket Gazette


Dr Patrick Colin works with research assistants to gather samples for cancer research. Photo: Chulabhorn Research Institute

PHUKET: -- A group of six researchers studying the possibility of corals containing the key to curing cancer were mistaken as coral poachers by recreational divers at the popular Phuket dive spot Koh Dok Mai on Monday.

“The divers were using tools to remove hard and soft corals and fans from the wall on the east side of Koh Dok Mai,” explained a concerned dive professional earlier this week, before the intentions of the divers were established.

Over all, 95 corals off Koh Dok Mai were collected during the one-off venture, which is a joint project by research teams from the United States and Thailand, explained Dr Prasat Kittakoop from the Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI).

The CRI along with the United States’ Developmental Therapeutics Program's Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, and the National Cancer Institute are all working together on the project.

“We are currently screening synthetic compounds and natural product materials derived from plants, marine micro-organisms and marine macro-organisms as potential sources of novel anticancer drugs,” Dr Prasat said.

“Once we screen the marine animals, we will know which marine invertebrates have potential compounds to battle cancer.”

It would be unnecessary to collect further samples, as any anticancer compounds identified could be recreated in the lab, he said.

“The samples are expected to arrive in the US soon for screening,” Dr Prasat added.

Dr Prasat assured those concerned that the number of corals collected would not have an impact on the sustainability of the Koh Dok Mai ecosystem and would not affect the beauty of the dive site.

— Chutharat Plerin

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Research-team-collecting-Phuket-corals-mistaken-poachers/29297#ad-image-0


-- Phuket Gazette 2014-05-01

[stevenl]

They were collecting bags and bags full of corals, destroying them all and destroying lots of other marine life in the process.

So yes, this does have an impact on the beauty of the divesite.

[NomadJoe]

In the future it would be helpful if permitted researchers wear some identifying markings. For example, DMCR divers in Thailand have DMCR logos on their BCD's which I was looking for on these divers during the dive but did not see. A simple logo, perhaps a sticker on the tank would suffice. Pretty much everyone on both of the dive boats that were there thought they were poachers. DMCR officers actually responded to the pier in order to check this speedboat when it returned from KDM, but the officers arrived after the speedboat had returned. It wasted a lot of peoples time.

[Dibbler]

It is excellent that research involving multinational teams can be conducted to ascertain the potential for cancer-curing agents from Thailand biological resources. This kind of collaboration has potentially many benefits and should be encouraged as long as the collecting is non-invasive and non-destructive and not done inside protected areas. If they were a normal research team there would be virtually no chance they could get permissions to collect coral samples, nor any other living tissue, let alone sending those samples overseas for analysis, with the potential for drugs to be patented internationally. If they were normal researchers the news report would have read that the report from the divers had been acted upon by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, their samples already confiscated, and a damage report filed. I do agree the researchers should have had some kind of identification to indicate they were officially collecting. Perhaps they had not informed the local authorities they would be there?

[MantisMan]

They were collecting bags and bags full of corals, destroying them all and destroying lots of other marine life in the process.

So yes, this does have an impact on the beauty of the divesite.

No it doesn't.

It says, "Dr Prasat assured those concerned that the number of corals collected would not have an impact on the sustainability of the Koh Dok Mai ecosystem and would not affect the beauty of the dive site."

Samples do not necessarily mean boulder sized samples.

[stevenl]

They were collecting bags and bags full of corals, destroying them all and destroying lots of other marine life in the process.

So yes, this does have an impact on the beauty of the divesite.

No it doesn't.

It says, "Dr Prasat assured those concerned that the number of corals collected would not have an impact on the sustainability of the Koh Dok Mai ecosystem and would not affect the beauty of the dive site."

Samples do not necessarily mean boulder sized samples.

Are you serious? Because somebody says 'it does not impact the divesite' you believe that without any doubt?

They were taking boulder size sample, they were chiseling them all down.

[NomadJoe]

It is excellent that research involving multinational teams can be conducted to ascertain the potential for cancer-curing agents from Thailand biological resources. This kind of collaboration has potentially many benefits and should be encouraged as long as the collecting is non-invasive and non-destructive and not done inside protected areas. If they were a normal research team there would be virtually no chance they could get permissions to collect coral samples, nor any other living tissue, let alone sending those samples overseas for analysis, with the potential for drugs to be patented internationally. If they were normal researchers the news report would have read that the report from the divers had been acted upon by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, their samples already confiscated, and a damage report filed. I do agree the researchers should have had some kind of identification to indicate they were officially collecting. Perhaps they had not informed the local authorities they would be there?

I am curious how you define "normal researchers"? What were these people then?

I will add that the one species I could identify in their catch bags was black coral, (family Antipatharia) a very beautiful and rare coral. Black coral is listed on Appendix II of the CITES red list therefore requires special permits to export, even for research.

[Dibbler]

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It is excellent that research involving multinational teams can be conducted to ascertain the potential for cancer-curing agents from Thailand biological resources. This kind of collaboration has potentially many benefits and should be encouraged as long as the collecting is non-invasive and non-destructive and not done inside protected areas. If they were a normal research team there would be virtually no chance they could get permissions to collect coral samples, nor any other living tissue, let alone sending those samples overseas for analysis, with the potential for drugs to be patented internationally. If they were normal researchers the news report would have read that the report from the divers had been acted upon by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, their samples already confiscated, and a damage report filed. I do agree the researchers should have had some kind of identification to indicate they were officially collecting. Perhaps they had not informed the local authorities they would be there?

I am curious how you define "normal researchers"? What were these people then?

I will add that the one species I could identify in their catch bags was black coral, (family Antipatharia) a very beautiful and rare coral. Black coral is listed on Appendix II of the CITES red list therefore requires special permits to export, even for research.

They are not normal researchers because they are associated with this institution. Indeed the international trade of black corals is restricted under CITES Appendix II. But this collection is apparently for research, not commercial trade, so I am presuming that the samples were subjected to the process but that the DNP CITES Management Authority allowed the specimens to be exported on the basis they are for research. By the way the regulations governing Appendix II specimens is taken from the CITES website;

Appendix-II specimens

An export permit or re-export certificate issued by the Management Authority of the State of export or re-export is required.

An export permit may be issued only if the specimen was legally obtained and if the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species.

A re-export certificate may be issued only if the specimen was imported in accordance with the Convention.

In the case of a live animal or plant, it must be prepared and shipped to minimize any risk of injury, damage to health or cruel treatment.

No import permit is needed unless required by national law.

In the case of specimens introduced from the sea, a certificate has to be issued by the Management Authority of the State into which the specimens are being brought, for species listed in Appendix I or II.

So there would need to have been an import permit issued by the US CITES Management Authority to bring them into that country in addition to the export permit from the Thai CITES Management Authority. I'd say due to the status of the research institutions involved, this would all have been expedited.

[NamKangMan]

They were collecting bags and bags full of corals, destroying them all and destroying lots of other marine life in the process.

So yes, this does have an impact on the beauty of the divesite.

No it doesn't.

It says, "Dr Prasat assured those concerned that the number of corals collected would not have an impact on the sustainability of the Koh Dok Mai ecosystem and would not affect the beauty of the dive site."

Samples do not necessarily mean boulder sized samples.

Are you serious? Because somebody says 'it does not impact the divesite' you believe that without any doubt?

They were taking boulder size sample, they were chiseling them all down.

Makes you wonder how much of their "research" samples are going to be sold at a later date.

[Greer]

Are you serious? Because somebody says 'it does not impact the divesite' you believe that without any doubt?

They were taking boulder size sample, they were chiseling them all down.

Sorry Steven, but to paraphrase your statement..

"Because somebody says 'it DOES impact the divesite' you believe that without any doubt?"

I take it that you were there and saw this, but I have to ask if you are a marine biologist, or an expert on marine life, specifically corals and other dependent lifeforms?

I would have to assume, since this is their job, that the relevant authorities and specialists in the field, are aware of what is being done, and have determined that the quantity of material taken is compatible with the survival of the coral and dependent aquatic life.

Obviously there is a short term impact on the look of the place, but you have to consider the other factors - the marine life will return and corals taken will eventually regrow, and the larger picture is to consider the potential medical benefits to the human race, if this research leads the way to find new treatments for cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

As they say in the article - once they have this material, any components that exhibit the properties for which they are searching, will now be able to be made in the lab, as they will know exactly what comprises it - so they will have no further need to remove more material from that site.

[SeanPhuket]

Do you think the foreigners have Work Permits?

Think you better check boys...

P.S I'm sure they know what they are doing. I'm sure Dr Patrick Colin is sensitive and experienced enough to be doing things correctly and leaving the corals in no lesser state then a group of recreational divers would.

I for one thinks its great to see a Thai organisation joint venturing with an international one, as well as the likely benefits for said subject likely to be found in coral..

[stevenl]

Are you serious? Because somebody says 'it does not impact the divesite' you believe that without any doubt?

They were taking boulder size sample, they were chiseling them all down.

Sorry Steven, but to paraphrase your statement..

"Because somebody says 'it DOES impact the divesite' you believe that without any doubt?"

I take it that you were there and saw this, but I have to ask if you are a marine biologist, or an expert on marine life, specifically corals and other dependent lifeforms?

I would have to assume, since this is their job, that the relevant authorities and specialists in the field, are aware of what is being done, and have determined that the quantity of material taken is compatible with the survival of the coral and dependent aquatic life.

Obviously there is a short term impact on the look of the place, but you have to consider the other factors - the marine life will return and corals taken will eventually regrow, and the larger picture is to consider the potential medical benefits to the human race, if this research leads the way to find new treatments for cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

As they say in the article - once they have this material, any components that exhibit the properties for which they are searching, will now be able to be made in the lab, as they will know exactly what comprises it - so they will have no further need to remove more material from that site.

Yes, corals taken will eventually regrow. Do you have any idea how long it takes for the slower growing corals, like fan corals, to grow?

And you really believe the relevant authorities are aware what is being done? Let alone having determined it is compatible ...

Yes, very good research is being done, but the way this was handled was ecologically very bad, and obviously the impact on the marine life was not taken into account.

[stevenl]

P.S I'm sure they know what they are doing. I'm sure Dr Patrick Colin is sensitive and experienced enough to be doing things correctly and leaving the corals in no lesser state then a group of recreational divers would.

Which corals, the bags full they have taken?

[ggt]

Americans accused of causing the decay of Thai morals...now accused of destroying Thai coral reefs...have they no shame...?

[somchaismith]

What's this about?