Phuket Officials Close Dive Sites
Thailand's Center for Tourism Development, Department of National Parks, announced the closing of seven dive sites on January 21, 2011. The area has experienced a bleaching event due to warm water temperatures, and the condition of corals were being threatened further by marine park users causing damage.
Mr. Malinee Jannoi, a Parks officer, stated that his office is, "trying to inform tour guides and tourists not to stand on the coral, but we're not getting a good response."
The sites that are now closed to divers account for less than 10% of each park in which it's located. In 2004, these sites had up to 20% bleaching and now, 70-100% of corals have been bleached.
The dive sites closed with no re-opening date at this time are:
- Koh Chueak in Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang
- Koh Bulon in Mu Ko Petra National Park, Satun
- Koh Takiang, Koh Hin Ngam, off Sai Khao Beach at Koh Rawee, and Koh Dong in Tarutao National Park, Satun
- Koh Maphrao at Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
- Hin Klang reef at Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
- Ao Mae Yai, Ao Jak, Ao Tao, Koh Torinla and Ao Mang Kon in Mu Ko Surin National Park
- Ao Fai Wap and East of Eden at Mu Ko Similan National Park.
For complete information, the article is available online at Phuket Gazette.
