The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has announced the closure of 12 national marine parks in response to a critical coral bleaching crisis attributed to increased sea temperatures from the El Niño climate phenomenon. The closures, which include prominent parks such as Mu Koh Chang and Ao Phang Nga, have been implemented to prevent further damage to the coral ecosystems that began showing significant signs of bleaching in April. The condition is expected to persist until July.
Officials, including Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Deputy Director-General Chidchanok Sukmongkol have been actively involved in assessing the damage.
Reports indicate that the Gulf of Thailand is facing more severe bleaching effects, with 50% of its coral reefs affected, compared to 20% in the shallower waters of the Andaman Sea. The environmental issue has drawn attention from both marine experts and the public, leading to heightened awareness and significant concern over the sustainability of marine biodiversity in the region.
According to Pol. Gen. Patcharawat, the parks’ closure is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to give the reefs essential recovery time from thermal stress, which has led to significant coral damage. This period of closure also allows officials to devise long-term solutions to this persistent environmental problem. (NNT)
