The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has initiated a new effort to address the increasing threat of coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures. Led by Minister Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the ministry is focusing on strengthening the resilience of marine ecosystems against the impacts of climate change.
Under the direction of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the initiative aims to implement strategies to combat coral bleaching and raise public awareness about the issue. DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi stressed the urgency of the situation, noting that coral bleaching is particularly severe during the hot season and has escalated to crisis levels this year. Historical data indicates that past bleaching events have led to significant coral degradation and ecosystem damage within Thai waters.
To proactively manage and mitigate these impacts, the DMCR has introduced a comprehensive monitoring system to closely observe sea temperature changes and detect any abnormal patterns. This will include measures to control activities that contribute to coral stress, such as limiting certain aspects of marine tourism and regulating wastewater discharge.
The ministry is also leveraging coastal community networks across Thailand’s 24 coastal provinces to assist in monitoring efforts. These networks are crucial for quickly identifying and reporting severe bleaching incidents, allowing for timely interventions to prevent coral death. (NNT)
