Phi Phi islands: 90% of coral reefs damaged

Coral reefs found damaged
Bangkok Post 30 Nov 10;

Up to 90% of coral reefs off the Phi Phi islands has been damaged by bleaching and human activities, a study has found.

The latest survey by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre found the reefs, particularly those around popular diving sites off Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lae, Koh Pai, Koh Yung , Koh Bita Nai and Koh Bita Nok, had been damaged and many of them had died, a marine biologist at the centre said.

Malinee Thongtham said a major contributor to the damage was the coral bleaching caused by unusual high sea temperatures during the hot season. Sea temperatures began to rise in April this year.

Living corals around the Phi Phi islands have been dying from severe bleaching since June, Ms Malinee said.

Another factor posing a serious threat to the coral reefs around popular dive sites was human activity, she said.

The survey found up to 90% of staghorn coral at Koh Yung and Koh Pai had been badly harmed by diving activities.

Coral bleaching and diving caused more damage to coral reefs in the area than the 2004 tsunami.

Ms Malinee said some divers trampled on the reefs while viewing the marine life. The survey also found many fishing nets left near the coral.

The feeding of fish arranged by tour companies was also affecting the condition of the coral reefs as fish shunned algae in favour of the food distributed by tourists. This meant the reefs were becoming covered by algae.

The marine biologist urged agencies and tour operators to work together to protect the coral.