Krabi adds buoys to protect corals
Kritsada Mueanhawong



KRABI: -- In an effort to protect marine life, Krabi officials yesterday announced the installation of 16 additional buoys near popular tourist attractions.

“The purpose of the buoys is to mark the presence of coral reefs so that ships and boats can avoid anchoring there,” said Sarayuth Tanthien, chief of the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

“The buoys have been installed near Koh Poda and Tup Island, two of the most recommended tourist areas in Krabi province.”

Full Story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Krabi-adds-buoys-protect-corals/63364?desktopversion#ad-image-0

-- Phuket Gazette 2016-03-09

How are they held in place

Large concrete blocks

How are they held in place

Large concrete blocks

Some of them get tied around the coral too.

It is a waste of time and money, indeed they do this exercise every couple of years.

After a few weeks the ropes fray and the buoys float off across the sea. The Thais have not got the concept of preventive maintenance.

How are they held in place

Large concrete blocks

Lol... Large concrete blocks, kicked overboard onto the delicate reef, most likely.

Actually, providing the bouys are not damaging in themselves (dive master comments, please), this is a good idea, as it also represents diving areas, if dive flags are "overlooked"

Bouys should also be used to anchor waiting boats, to prevent damage by anchors being dropped or dragged, and these should be registered and maintained, either by the Krabi council ( and hired out) or by the user, for a fee to the council.

Simple lessons can be learnt from looking at Australian management of reef access, as Australia has a very large amount of protected reef... The Great Barrier Reef being an average example... And this is not a matter of lauding Australian practices, but simply common sense, like the training of local lifeguards by the Australian lifeguard association.