The Similan Islands National Park’s diving team is working to retrieve large and heavy remnants of discarded fishing gear in Nguang Chang Bay as part of efforts to restore the marine ecosystem and reduce threats to rare marine species.
Siriwat Suebsai, chief of the park, said yesterday that the team had been alerted by a tour operator to the discovery of abandoned fishing gear near Nguang Chang Bay on Similan Island 8.
Officials found a large and heavy section of old commercial trawler netting entangled underwater. Due to its size and weight, only part of the debris could be removed on the first day, so the team has marked the site with a buoy for further recovery operations.
The retrieval of abandoned nets, which often become entangled in artificial reefs, is part of ongoing efforts to reduce threats to endangered marine species.
Authorities warned that such fishing gear in national park waters can cause serious harm to marine ecosystems and wildlife.
The Similan Islands National Park has therefore prioritised its removal.
The park also urged tour operators and visitors to report any irregularities or signs of marine debris to officials to help safeguard the area’s rich marine biodiversity.
