Thailand: Waters off Koh Yung closed due to coral bleaching

The Nation 5 Apr 16;

Officials at Hat Nopparat Thara - Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi have told all boat operators to refrain from entering the waters off Koh Yung - next to Phi Phi Island - after the area was closed to let coral reefs recover from bleaching and the “effects of tourism”.

Park head Sarayuth Tanthien said Tuesday the move followed a National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department committee meeting to adjust the management of national park territory. The meeting resulted in a resolution to "close" Koh Yung, which suffers from rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching, as well as deterioration due to tourism impacts, he said.

Sarayuth said coral reefs to the island's west and north were under threat while reefs to the east and south had already been degraded by tourism activity and needed a break to recover.