The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation plans to close seven more marine parks to the public, in addition to the 12 already closed, to reduce tourism activity and coral bleaching, according to the department’s chief, Atthaphon Charoenchansa.
Warming of the sea water this year is threatening many corals in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf, especially those in shallow waters, resulting in widespread bleaching.
Researchers from the department have moved five giant clam (Tridacna) shells from 1.4 metre deep sea water to a depth of six metres, to see whether this will help save them from bleaching.
Atthaphon appealed for cooperation and understanding from the public, saying that the closure of marine parks is necessary to save the corals. In addition to sea water temperatures rising to an average of 32oC, he said that tourism activities, marine engine oil and even sun block are harmful to the corals as well.
Asked whether the department will try installing shading, to protect the corals from direct sunlight, Atthaphon said that the measure has limitations and is not practical, adding that more rain would be helpful, to reduce the water temperature.
