12 Marine National Parks closed to combat coral bleaching

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has announced the closure of 12 marine national parks on the Andaman Sea and the in the Gulf of Thailand after it was found that 50-70% of the coral has been experiencing coral bleaching caused by the rising sea temperature.

The closures include the following parks:

1. Mu Koh Chang National Park;
2. Khao Laem Ya – Mu Koh Samed National Park;
3. Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park;
4. Had Wanakorn National Park;
5. Mu Koh Chumphon National Park;
6. Mu Koh Surin National Park;
7. Sirinat National Park;
8. Ao Phang-nga National Park;
9. Than Bok Koranee National Park;
10. Had Nopparat Tara – Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park;
11. Mu Koh Lan Ta National Park;
12. Had Khanom – Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park.

The closure would help reduce any marine activities that would increase the bleaching of corals. In an attempt to lessen the crisis, the DNP has also set up shading devices to reduce exposure to heat from the sun, as well as data temperature loggers to monitor the sea temperature. The DNP will consider reopening when the sea temperature decreases and the nature recovers to its usual condition. (PRD)